The launch of Apple's mixed reality headset, which is currently under development, could be delayed from early 2023 to the end of the year, it is now reported. Software problems are said to be the reason for the delay.
The long-rumored and highly anticipated release of Apple's first headset was almost upon us. Mass production of the augmented reality and virtual reality headset was scheduled to begin in early 2023. But while the hardware is being prepared for production, another element could delay the actual release. Loud Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF Securities, said the launch of Apple's AR and VR headset could be delayed until the second half of 2023 due to "software-related issues." Kuo did not say what these might be, but it could be related to the operating system, known as realityOS or xrOS. The delay only seems to affect the mass delivery of the finished products, not the production itself. Kuo expects the delivery of components to still take place in the first half of 2023, possibly in the second quarter.
Apple's mixed reality headset struggles with software problems
However, the delay in shipments could be painful for suppliers, as the headset is considered the "next critical growth driver for the optical industry." Suppliers such as Largan, Genius, Cowell, Primax and others believed to be in the headset supply chain could suffer from "short-term market sentiment" due to the delay. Despite the delayed shipment, Kuo does not know if there will be a delayed media event to accompany the delayed shipment of the headsets, which would put such an event later than the previously estimated January. Kuo warns that too long a time gap between the event and shipment of the products "is detrimental to promotion and sales." When asked how many headsets Apple could produce, Kuo replies that the 2023 forecast is "probably less than 500,000 units," below the market consensus of 800,000 to 1.2 million units. (Photo by Khoamartin / Bigstockphoto)
