Analysts anticipate that Apple’s AR/VR headset will launch in January

• Apple’s rumored mixed reality headset could arrive in 2023, analyst says.
• Ming-Chi Kuo says it would spark “rapid growth” in the head-mounted display sector.
• It will be a standalone gadget with 14 cameras to track its movement.

Apple’s AR/VR headset will “likely arrive” in January 2023, says Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo says the headgear is “the most sophisticated device Apple has ever created,” but its debut might spark “rapid growth” in the head-mounted display sector.

Read more: Ming-Chi Kuo: Apple AR/VR headset not coming at WWDC

Kuo has forecast Apple’s headset release date before, albeit with far broader windows. Last year, he indicated the headset may be ready in 2022 (which now appears implausible), and this month he anticipated a second-quarter debut. This doesn’t ensure a January announcement (Apple’s plans might alter or Kuo’s supply chain sources could be inaccurate), but it shows the analyst’s confidence.

It aligns with Apple’s stated headset activity. Apple’s board of directors apparently checked out the headgear in early May. The device’s RealityOS software is mentioned in Apple’s code and trademark filings, and CEO Tim Cook recently promised augmented reality news.

Numerous publications have tried to explain Apple’s mystery headgear. According to The Information, it will be a standalone gadget and might include 14 cameras to track its movement. It’ll apparently include a CPU comparable to M1 processors in current Macs, although it’s unknown if its battery will be wearable or integrated into the headgear.

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Kuo forecasts Apple will make an impact in the mixed reality headset area, while Meta will fall behind, 9to5Mac reports. Kuo expects Facebook will reduce its VR hardware investments to focus on advertising. Meta recently showed off many VR headset designs.