Apple’s been rumored to be engaged on some sort of blended actuality headset for a while now. But like most devices lately, it seems that the headset will probably be delayed till the tip of 2022 on account of manufacturing points.

The information comes from prolific Apple prognosticator Ming-Chi Kuo (by way of 9to5 Mac, Apple Insider). In an investor be aware, Kuo says the principle motive for the manufacturing delay is the headset’s difficult design. The head-mounted show purportedly requires “much more industrial design requirements” in comparison with smartphones as a result of you need to truly put on it. If any HMD goes to achieve success, it’s received to a minimum of be snug sufficient to put on for an prolonged time frame.

Another issue is that Apple reportedly isn’t trying to make a single-purpose system. For instance, Kuo factors to the Playstion VR and Facebook’s Oculus headsets as HMDs which can be primarily used for gaming—and never a lot else. Instead, Apple supposedly needs to construct a multi-purpose system. That comes with its personal challenges, akin to constructing out a complete ecosystem of software program and companies. Right now, no consumer-focused blended actuality system has managed to create a strong app ecosystem that works exterior of gaming or enterprise.

Previously, Kuo had claimed the blended actuality headset would enter mass manufacturing in Q2 of 2022. Now it seems that’ll be pushed again to This fall 2022. And that’s if issues proceed to go swimmingly. Given the worldwide chip crunch, provide chain points, and the complexity of HMD designs, that timeline may very properly creep additional and additional delayed.

As for the way this secret headset will look and function, that’s anybody’s guess. So far, we’ve heard that it’ll be wirelessly related to an iPhone for computing, very similar to each different HMD that’s at present on the market. A Bloomberg report earlier this yr additionally contended the headset would characteristic beefier chips than these at present accessible in mixed-reality headsets. The report additionally says the headset will probably be a standalone system, very similar to the Oculus Quest 2. Kuo has additionally beforehand said that this headset will probably be gentle AF, at about 5 ounces, and undertake a hybrid Fresnel lens design. Meanwhile, an Information report says this factor could have two 8K shows, greater than a dozen cameras for hand-tracking, and can value a jaw-dropping $3,000.

Some of these items might change into true, but it surely’s higher to take all of it with a heavy grain of salt. We gained’t actually know till Apple trots out the products onstage. Recently, Apple CEO Tim Cook mentioned he doesn’t anticipate to be on the helm in 10 years however needs to stay round for “one more major new product category.” That more and more feels like no matter this mixed-reality headset is—in addition to a rumored pair of sensible glasses in 2025.