Apple Delays Release of Mixed Reality Headset Again Report

Apple’s debut of its first mixed-reality headset has been delayed from April to June, marking another setback for the company’s major project, according to a Bloomberg report.

Apple delays release of Mixed-Reality headset to June

Apple is now targeting its annual Worldwide Developers Conference to unveil its first mixed-reality headset, after delaying its launch from April to June. The decision was made after testing revealed hardware and software issues that needed to be resolved. Apple has been working on the technology since 2015 and initially planned to launch the headset in June 2022, but this has been postponed several times, with the latest delay being to spring 2023.

The mixed-reality headset, which blends virtual and augmented reality, would be Apple’s first major new product category since smartwatches were introduced in 2015. While this could boost growth following a recent slowdown, the market remains uncertain and the company plans to price the new product at around $3,000, which is quite high.

Apple’s new source of revenue: A mixed-reality headset

Initially, Apple had planned to unveil the mixed-reality headset at an early spring launch event for consumers and then provide more details and development tools for third-party software developers at the annual June expo, known as WWDC. A mixed-reality headset from Apple could provide a new revenue stream and reduce the company’s dependence on iPhone sales.

However, due to the delay, the company plans to showcase all aspects of the device at the WWDC conference and launch the product later in the year. According to sources, Dan Riccio, Apple’s former hardware chief who now helps oversee the mixed-reality project, has become more involved in recent weeks to address remaining issues.

No major changes to iPads/Airpods or Watch

While the timing of the product launch remains subject to change, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is determined to release the mixed-reality headset by the end of 2023 if possible. It is set to be a focal point of Apple’s new product lineup for a relatively modest year, with the company introducing a bigger MacBook Air, updated iPhone, and new Mac Pro desktop, but only minor changes to its iPad, AirPods, and watch.

On the other hand, the company has indefinitely delayed the development of standalone augmented reality glasses, which would be less bulky but require more advanced technology that is not yet available. Additionally, the company has apparently renamed its mixed-reality software “xrOS” in anticipation of the upcoming AR/VR headset.

Moreover, Apple is reportedly planning to release a less expensive version of the mixed-reality headset, which will have less powerful and lower-cost components, as early as 2024.

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