KEY POINTS

  • Apple reportedly has an event scheduled in January 2023
  • It will serve as the venue for the launch of the Apple AR Headset
  • Apple has remained mum on the rumored Augmented Reality (AR) device

Apple's first Augmented Reality (AR) product could launch sometime in early 2023, according to a reputable analyst who also revealed key details about the upcoming mixed-reality headset, including its possible retail price.

TFI Securities and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, in his latest research note, disclosed that the Cupertino-based tech titan plans to launch the Apple AR Headset at an event scheduled for January 2023.

The mixed-reality device could retail upwards of $2,000, according to the analyst, who noted that it is doubtful that shipments would exceed 1.5 million units in its first year.

The Apple AR Headset is the tech giant's first foray into the Virtual Reality (VR) industry, with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman describing it as a "pricey niche precursor" designed to prepare the tech giant and its developers and consumers for its eventual immersion into the world of virtual reality and ultimately, the metaverse.

The supposed high retail price of the upcoming headset could be due to its premium specs, as claimed by previous rumors.

Enthusiasts say the metaverse would eventually allow online experiences, like meeting a friend, to feel face-to-face thanks to virtual reality headsets
Enthusiasts say the metaverse would eventually allow online experiences, like meeting a friend, to feel face-to-face thanks to virtual reality headsets AFP / CARLOS COSTA

Past reports noted that the Apple AR Headset would feature almost the same technical specifications found in the company's pricey M1 Macbook Pro. It is believed to sport an 8K display with multiple cameras peppered across the device to trace and monitor hand gestures and signals.

According to the TFI Securities analyst, Apple is on to expensive and limited headsets to gauge the market's response to premium VR devices, noting that the price could reduce eventually.

The Apple AR Headset sales could blunt investors' anxiety in terms of the product's demand, according to Kuo.

As the newest product in the emerging industry, the Apple AR Headset would join the ranks of Sony PlayStation VR 2, Meta Quest 2 and Vive Pro 2. However, the cost of the AR device would put it in a league of its own even if Meta releases its high-priced product Project Cambria headset speculated to retail at $1,300.

Despite rumors swirling online about the AR Headset, Apple remained silent about the product.

With the product reportedly poised to roll out sometime in 2023, consumers can expect that Apple could release a successor in 2025 or later.

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Apple