Apple’s mixed reality headset is coming later – but still in 2023

Apple’s mixed reality headset is still a long way off. The supposed unveiling date in January will probably be postponed. Nevertheless, the AR / VR headset should appear in 2023.

Sales of Apple’s long-awaited mixed reality headset are set to be delayed until the second half of 2023. This is what Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo writes via Twitter. The reason for the renewed delay are challenges with the software. Until recently, Kuo assumed that Apple would unveil the AR/VR glasses at a media event in January and that sales would start in the second quarter of 2023.

“realityOS” becomes “xrOS”

Just reported last week Bloombergthat Apple has internally renamed the software platform for the upcoming headset. From “realityOS” to “xrOS” – where the “xr” stands for “extended reality”. According to new information from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the launch of the headset has been delayed due to problems with xrOS. The hardware would be ready in time, he still expects the mass production of the components for the first half of 2023. But now bugs in xrOS still have to be fixed.

When will Apple reveal the headset?

The question remains open as to when Apple will present the AR/VR headset to the public. In theory, the group could continue to present the mixed reality headset as planned at an event in January, even if sales will not start until the second half of the year. However, Kuo noted that too long a delay between presentation and launch can have a negative impact on sales. The unveiling date will therefore probably take place later in the year.

The mixed reality glasses will be the first product of this type from Apple. Therefore, the company wants to make sure that everything works perfectly at launch. Nevertheless, the headset is a niche product. Kuo expects Apple to sell fewer than 500,000 copies in 2023.