Apple will dent reality with its AR headset in 2023

Big news (yesterday) was that Apple plans to put its ding in the universe with its take on the bettaverse and its first-generation AR/VR headset in January 2023, according to the world’s most elusive Apple analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo (via 9to5Mac).

Apple’s Dent Reality, the ultimate reality distorter

That man claims Apple will “likely release” its first headset in January 2023 and seems to think Facebook/Meta has cooked up interest in the sector. Perhaps it has, but I’ve a feeling most eyes remain on Apple. The analyst also thinks there will be good room for growth in this nascent new space.

So, what did the analyst say about Apple’s next universe?

“Although Apple has repeatedly reiterated its focus on AR, I believe Apple AR/MR supporting video see-thru could also offer an excellent immersive experience,” he reckons. Indeed, he goes a little further to ruminate that the device will boost demand for AR/VR in games and entertainment.

All good so far, particularly his prediction that when Apple does ship the reality distortion device, competitors will almost immediately try to imitate its design. As per usual.

Whatever next?

We’ve been experiencing a great deal of turbulence in the Apple Future Scrying and Prediction engine in the last year or so. Projects are on, then they are off. Apple is delayed and then it is not. Things happen and then they don’t, and all the time in the background we can hear the hum of Apple’s engines.

As I reported last week, CEO Tim Cook recently said: “I could not be more excited about the opportunities in the space. Sort of stay tuned, and you will see what we have to offer.”

He’s hinting at things again…

[Also read: Apple diversifies as it prepares business for future shocks]

Thing is in truth we know development of this kind has been in the works for years and years, and this suggests the company is choosing to find some way to create a solution that somehow combines the best of all its platforms. That’s an incredibly delicate dance that I don’t think any other company could quite achieve.

I’m speculating, I know, but I do imagine what we will have here will be a platform that serves its users in some way, albeit one you won’t use for a full working day. That surely implies a creative component, alongside an entertainment angle. And I can’t help but hope the eventual goal sees transformative lens designs that make these Apple goggles the ultimate in spectacles, changing the lens prescription to reflect what your eyes need. Though I do think that will be some way off yet.

An iPhone moment

Whatever the case, if the analyst is correct, Apple seems to be plotting an iPhone moment, complete with a January introduction, several months of hype, a BIG DEAL WWDC (perhaps the first for years held in person) and (Covid-safe) queues outside all those unionized Apple Retail stores.

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