There have been rumors for years that Apple is releasing some sort of virtual reality/augmented reality headset. While reports had pinpointed a potential 2022 release for the company’s first mixed reality headset, the device is hitting some development issues and may not be released until 2023, according to Bloomberg.
Apple had planned to unveil the headset at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, but “development challenges related to overheating, cameras and software have made it harder to stay on track.” Bloomberg reports. The issues mean the unveiling could happen at the end of the year — or even later — with the headset going on sale in 2023. And Apple apparently at one point planned to unveil the device even earlier; Bloomberg reports that the company planned to announce it in 2021 and ship in 2022.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This first headset is expected to be high-end, with Apple pricing in excess of $2,000. Bloomberg says it will have two processors, and at least one will be “on par” with the new M1 Pro chip available with the company’s refreshed MacBook Pros. Analyst Ming-chi Kuo has also reported that the device will have two chips, one of which will be M1 adjacent. Previous reports have also said the headset will feature dual 4K OLED microdisplays, 3D hand-tracking sensors and other advanced components, all of which could contribute to the rumored high price.
Apple is also still working on a set of AR glasses, although they may be a long way off. The company plans to introduce them “later this decade.” Bloomberg reports.