Kuo: Apple's Headset Coming End of 2022, Will Feature 'Pancake' Lenses

Tuesday January 4, 2022 8:29 pm PST by Joe Rossignol

Apple's widely-rumored AR/VR headset is coming at the end of 2022, with shipments to ramp up in the first quarter of 2023, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

apple mixed reality headset mockup feature purple
In a research note with TF International Securities, obtained by MacRumors, Kuo said Apple's headset will feature two "3P pancake lenses," which have a folded design that allows light to reflect back and forth between the display and lenses. This design can allow Apple to release a more compact and lightweight headset.

The Information last year shared the above render of Apple's supposed headset based on a "late-stage prototype" that it viewed. The report claimed the headset will have a curved visor with a soft mesh material, swappable headbands, and more.

Earlier today, display industry consultant Ross Young claimed Apple's headset will be equipped with three displays.

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro

Tags: Ming-Chi Kuo, TF International Securities

Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

lazyrighteye

48 months ago

I just don't understand how they're going to find mass consumer appeal at the rumored $3k pricepoint. At $1k these fly off the shelves, but $3k puts it into a very niche category (and Apple doesn't do specific business-oriented products like Microsoft does).

[[immediately stops setting cash aside]]

Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)

nholm

48 months ago

I could not be less excited.

Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)

UltimateSyn

48 months ago

I just don't understand how they're going to find mass consumer appeal at the rumored $3k pricepoint. At $1k these fly off the shelves, but $3k puts it into a very niche category (and Apple doesn't do specific business-oriented products like Microsoft does).

Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)

TheYayAreaLiving ?️

48 months ago

The report claimed the headset will have a curved visor with a soft mesh material, swappable headbands, and more.

“So, we can expect Apple to sell swappable headbands like how they sell for Apple Watches. Different types, colors, and patterns.”

Can you imagine how expensive it's going to be to repair the headset if one of the pancake cameras gets broken? Apple care + is going to be a must-have. ?

Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

DeLaSoul

48 months ago

As an Apple shareholder, I think investors are making way too big of a deal for Apple VR headset. It's not going to make a dent in Apple's bottom line for many years. Apple does not have killer apps for it and Apple does not have AAA gaming, which is what is driving most VR purchases today.

This is not a mass-market product in 2022. Probably not 2023 either. Maybe 2025 after 3 iterations, lower cost, and an app ecosystem.

What is a mass-market product is Apple Glasses that you can wear at all times throughout the day. Not a headset.

Also, Apple's failed HomePod product is a bit of warning for Apple VR. Yes, the hardware tech will be amazing and will be better than anything else out there. But it will be expensive. Facebook is basically selling the Occulus at hardware cost in order to drive up marketshare and then maybe make money from an appstore in the future. Apple will probably sell this for a much higher price than the Occulus which will make it a niche product, just like the Homepod.

FaceBook’s goal is to immerse you in their metaverse worlds and get you addicted, so they can totally track literally every move you make, and sell your wasted eyeball time to advertisers. That polarized rabbit hole of misinformation is going to be much deeper and darker.

Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)