Apple is targeting a second-quarter 2022 debut for its first augmented reality (AR) headset, says a new research note from well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
The note, shared by MacRumors, focuses on prospects for key Apple supplier Genius Electronic Optical, and says the company will benefit from a number of upcoming VR and AR products from the likes of Facebook, Sony, and Apple.
We predict that Apple will launch AR HMD [head-mounted display] devices in 2Q22. The device will provide a video see-through AR experience, so the lens is also needed, and Genius is also a key supplier.
Apple has long been rumored to be developing a pair of AR-related headsets. An initial “mixed-reality” headset is set to be getting ready for a 2021/2022 launch, while a sleeker pair of augmented reality specs are rumored to be targeted for a launch around 2025.
Kuo’s report also touches on iPhone 13 production, noting that it appears Genius will be the exclusive supplier of wide-angle and telephoto camera lenses for the upcoming iPhone 13 lineup, at least through the end of this month. The other supplier that Apple uses, Largan, has reportedly failed to meet Apple’s requirements and has been told to halt component shipments.
Kuo says Genius is handling most of the production, and will ultimately be responsible for 65–70% of shipments for the lens components.
