There have been rumors that Apple may unveil its Mixed Reality headset, which is expected to be called the “Reality Pro,” during the upcoming WWDC Developers Conference in June. However, an analyst named Ming-Chi Kuo has recently stated that the product may not be released until the third quarter of 2023 due to some specific reasons. In this case, the release might be alongside the iPhone 15 series.
Kuo suggests the Reality Pro mixed reality headset may debut with the iPhone 15.
In the previous month, Kuo had reported that Apple was experiencing setbacks due to problems encountered during mechanical drop testing and delayed availability of software development tools. Consequently, the analyst postponed the release schedule of the AR/VR headset from the second quarter to the third quarter of this year. The mass shipping of the product was rescheduled accordingly.
Paraphrase each paragraph below separately Kuo also sharply reduced his estimate of total shipments for 2023 from his original 800,000-1.2 million units to just 500,000 headsets. The Reality Pro has been said by those familiar with the product, to be the most complex device ever manufactured by Apple. It is expected to carry a price tag in the neighborhood of $2,000-$3,000 (that’s some ritzy neighborhood). Apple has introduced a product before and then waited a few months before releasing it. Right off the bat, we can say that this was done with the original iPhone and the original Apple Watch. This probably is a good strategy for Apple since it will give developers an opportunity to create more apps for the product since no one wants to spend big bucks for the headset only to find a barren App Store. The headset will run a new operating system known as xrOS (extended reality Operating System) and supposedly will feature 12 cameras, head and body tracking sensors, spatial audio, and a 4K micro-LED display for each eye. A Digital Crown will be used to quickly take users from the immersive world of Virtual Reality (with realistic simulations of certain environments) to Augmented Reality. The latter superimposes a layer of computer-generated data on top of a real-world feed. The Reality Pro will likely be powered by a 5nm Apple M2 chip equipped with 20 billion transistors. The iPhone 15 series is expected to be introduced and released in September. This year, the line could include the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Ultra. We could see the non-Pro models equipped with a 48MP Wide camera on the back, replacing the 12MP sensors, and all four models are expected to sport the multitasking Dynamic Island. The premium models are rumored to have a titanium build and the iPhone 15 Ultra could feature a periscope camera for enhanced optical zoom.
Kuo has revised his shipment forecast for the Reality Pro mixed reality headset from an initial estimate of 800,000-1.2 million units to 500,000 units. The device is considered to be the most complex product ever made by Apple and is expected to retail for $2,000-$3,000.
Apple has previously introduced a product before waiting a few months before releasing it, such as the original iPhone and Apple Watch. This strategy is believed to allow more time for developers to create new apps for the device before it hits the market.
The Reality Pro headset will be powered by a 5nm Apple M2 chip with 20 billion transistors and run on a new operating system called xrOS. It is expected to feature 12 cameras, head and body tracking sensors, spatial audio, and a 4K micro-LED display for each eye. A Digital Crown will enable users to switch between the Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality modes.
The iPhone 15 line is anticipated to be launched in September and is rumored to include four models: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Ultra. The non-Pro models may have a 48MP Wide camera on the back and all models will have multitasking Dynamic Island. The premium models could be made of titanium and the iPhone 15 Ultra may have a periscope camera for enhanced optical zoom.
Apple plans to release its next headset version in 2025.
Kuo predicts four new headsets, two high-end and two low-end, to be released in 2025. Luxcaseict and Pegatron will handle the high-end models, while Foxconn will be responsible for the low-end models.
Second-generation headsets will be cheaper due to decreased component prices and higher yields. Apple may also remove features, particularly from the low-end models, to make them more affordable. Apple aims to increase headset adoption to generate subscription payments and other software purchases.
