There was a lot of speculation about when Apple would release its first AR/VR headset, but as far as we know, none of the trusted guides have dared suggest a date.
Now the often-reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is finally narrowing down the month, saying it’s “likely to be announced” in January of 2023. Isn’t he a bold person!
In a post on Medium, Kuo said the Apple product will be “the most complex product Apple has ever designed,” which says something to take into account the complexities behind products like Apple’s Silicon Macs, iPhone and Apple Watch.
Kuo says it will be a “game changer for the headphone industry” that will result in many similar-thought-out devices from “Apple’s global competitors”. The analyst says this will lead to rapid growth in the sector, both in the development of the next stages of hardware, as well as content, and related services.
Kuo added: “Although Apple has repeatedly reiterated its focus on augmented reality, I believe that Apple AR / MR video support can also provide an excellent immersive experience. Therefore, the launch of Apple AR / MR will boost the demand for immersive gaming / entertainment Multimedia. “
If Apple picks January 2023, it will be a rare occasion as Apple announces its products during the first month of the year, surely these days anyway.
The company used to be the stellar attendees of the MacWorld conference, which was previously held every January. Apple announced the first iPhone there in 2007, and the MacBook Air in 2008. 2009 was the last MacWorld that Apple participated in, announcing that iTunes Music files would eventually be DRM-free.
Of course, announcing this size would certainly justify a major event of its own, rather than being built into Apple’s traditional hardware launch windows in the fall and spring.
It remains to be seen when the device will go on sale, but we expect it to be several months after the reveal. Earlier this week, Apple CEO Tim Cook was less wary of the company’s plans, advising viewers to “stay informed”.