Apple is expected to launch a VR headset in 2022, AR glasses in 2025, and AR contact lenses in 2030-2040, Ming-Chi Kuo, a renowned Apple analyst, said in a report released on Sunday.
The current prototype of Apple's Mixed Reality (MR) headset weighs 200-300 grams, and if Apple can reduce the weight to 100-200 grams, this will be much lighter than many existing VR devices, the Tianfeng International analyst said.
In addition to VR, the headset will be equipped with Sony's Micro-OLED display and multiple optical modules to support AR, Kuo said.
The new product will be portable, with separate computing power and storage space, but won't be truly mobile like the iPhone, Kuo said, adding that the new headset product could enhance its mobility with improved technology.
While Apple has been focusing on AR, this product could provide an immersive experience that is significantly better than existing VR products, the report said.
Apple will likely make this headset highly integrated with Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade as one of its key selling points, Kuo said.
Because of the complex design, Kuo expects the headset to sell for about $1,000 in the US, in line with the price of a high-end iPhone.
Kuo said Apple's AR glasses are more focused on providing a mobile + AR experience than the MR headset, but there is no prototype yet.
The headset will come with more than a dozen cameras for tracking hand movements, as well as two 8K displays and advanced eye-tracking technology, The Information reported last month.
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