Apple’s Second-Generation AR/VR Headset Might Come With an ‘Affordable’ Option

If Apple’s rumored $3,000 digital actuality headset looks as if a monetary nightmare for you, then prepare for some probably excellent news. Analyst and dependable Apple sage Ming-Chi Kuo claims the corporate is already engaged on a second-generation AR/VR headset set for a 2025 launch, this time that includes each a high-end and a extra reasonably priced possibility. Kuo didn’t present particular value factors, although, so it’s exhausting to say simply how price range pleasant that reasonably priced possibility actually is.

Writing in his Medium blog Sunday, Kuo mentioned the anticipated second-generation mannequin will launch within the first half of 2025, with part suppliers anticipated to start delivery within the second half of 2024. If true, Kuo’s prediction marks one of many first stable estimates on when Apple’s V2 headset mannequin might arrive, although all that ought to be taken with a grain of salt contemplating Apple’s first-generation headset (which “officially” nonetheless doesn’t even exist) was reportedly postponed for a number of months and has but to launch. Kuo himself beforehand mentioned Apple probably gained’t publicly announce its first headset till January 2023. That “announcement” would mark an finish to presumably the world’s worst stored secret.

Kuo supplies some extra normal particulars about Apple’s total headset plans in his weblog, as properly. According to him, excessive ASP Pancake lenses usually present in SLR cameras are a crucial complement of the headsets, affecting each kind issue and visuals. The corporations Genius and Young Optics are the anticipated suppliers for these Pancake lenses and are each anticipated to be concerned within the second era mannequin’s provide chain as properly. Kuo predicts Apple’s AR/VR shipments might attain a powerful 10 million as early as 2025.

This isn’t the primary little bit of spec information associated to a possible second-generation Apple headset. Last month, a report from The Elec claimed LG Display will reportedly try to produce the micro OLED panels for that mannequin. Sony’s supposedly supplying the primary micro OLED panels for the primary mannequin.

If Apple does put its headsets on retailer cabinets within the coming years, they seem more likely to, like so many different new Apple merchandise, come at exactly the proper time. A latest IDC report launched final month discovered international VR headset shipments elevated a staggering 241.6% 12 months over 12 months within the first quarter of 2022. That market was unsurprisingly dominated by Meta, whose Quest 2 headset helped the corporate safe 90% market share within the house. With most different main VR {hardware} movers abandoning the buyer marketplace for enterprise prospects, Apple stands poised to enter a rising scene as one of many solely true opponents to Meta. A extra reasonably priced second-generation mannequin might see them loosen Meta’s stranglehold much more.

“All eyes will be on Apple as it launches its first headset next year,” IDC Research Director Ramon Llamas wrote. “Further iterations will likely show evolution that will grow by leaps and bounds.”