Apple Postpones Launch of AR Glasses, Introduces More Affordable Mixed-Reality Headset

Apple Inc. is still aiming to launch its first mixed-reality headset in 2023, however, the development of their lightweight augmented-reality glasses has been delayed due to technical difficulties.

Apple had initially intended to launch their AR glasses after the introduction of their mixed-reality headset, which combines both augmented and virtual reality, but that part of the plan has been put on hold. Sources familiar with the discussions have stated that the company will instead be releasing a more affordable version of the mixed-reality headset sometime between 2024 and early 2025.

The changes in plans demonstrate the difficulties Apple is facing as it attempts to enter a new sector. The firm is hoping that AR and VR gadgets could be a major source of income, but the technical issues of creating a user-friendly product have been a problem for much of the tech industry. It appears that Apple's original vision of providing a lightweight pair of AR glasses that people could wear all day is still a long way off, if it ever happens.

Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, which are currently dominated by Facebook's Meta Platforms Inc., provide a more immersive experience. People often use them to play video games, communicate in virtual meeting rooms, and watch videos. Augmented Reality (AR) glasses, on the other hand, project visuals and data onto the real-world view. The idea is that users can wear these glasses while going about their daily lives, but earlier attempts at this concept, such as Google Glass, have not been successful.

The high cost of an Apple headset could make it a more niche product. It is expected to cost around $3,000 due to its use of advanced and high-resolution displays, more than 10 cameras, sensors to detect where a user is looking, and both a Mac-grade M2 processor and a dedicated chip for AR and VR visuals.

Apple is attempting to reduce the cost of its upcoming mixed-reality device by utilizing chips similar to those found in the iPhone instead of the components used in more expensive Mac computers. This will put them in competition with Meta's mixed-reality headset, which is priced at $1,500. Apple may be aiming to get closer to this price point with their lower-end model.

Apple's trademark filings suggest that the company is planning to release two versions of their device. The names "Reality Pro" and "Reality One" have been included in the documents, with the Pro likely being the initial model and the "One" possibly being the more affordable option. Additionally, a trademark filing for "Reality Processor" has been made, which could be the name of the dedicated chip.

The company has shifted its focus to the lower-cost headset instead of the AR glasses, which were initially planned to be released a year after the headset, according to people familiar with the project who requested anonymity. At one point, Apple had intended to launch the glasses in 2023, but then pushed back the date to 2025. Now, Apple has indefinitely postponed the rollout and reduced its work on the AR device.

A representative from Apple declined to provide any information regarding their upcoming plans. On Tuesday, the tech giant unveiled their latest Mac computers with M2 chips, marking their first product launch of the year.

Apple's mixed-reality headset will utilize displays to generate a fully immersive virtual reality experience and pass-through cameras to simulate an augmented reality effect. This is much simpler than the technology required to construct an augmented reality device that appears like regular eyeglasses.

It is anticipated that the company's sales growth will slow down this year.

Apple envisions AR glasses as a potential replacement for the iPhone, allowing users to access the phone's main functions without having to carry the device. This could include seeing notifications, getting directions, making and receiving calls, and taking pictures, all from the user's field of view.

Although progress has been made, the technology to create a lightweight product that can last all day is not yet available. Apple's first high-end headset has a battery life of two hours, while a phone can usually last for an entire day or longer.

Earlier information was reported on the specifics of the battery pack.

The headset has been designed to be lightweight, so the battery has been excluded from the device itself. Instead, the battery will be connected to the headset via a cable and will be stored in the user's back pocket. It is not possible to create a device with advanced augmented reality and a battery that can last all day with current technology.

Apple's Technology Development Group, which consists of more than 1,000 people, is mainly focused on the two mixed-reality headsets. However, there are still some teams that are researching technologies that could be used for standalone glasses, should they be released in the future.

There is some skepticism within Apple that they will ever be able to produce AR glasses, but it is still a goal they are striving for. Meta and Google have both declared their intentions to create AR glasses, but they are still in the early stages of development.