More rumours over the upcoming Apple mixed reality (MR) headset surfaced last week after a report estimated the device would feature a subscription service.
A TrendForce report on Friday last week stated Apple’s premium headset could potentially feature an enterprise-focused subscription with a similar pricing strategy as Microsoft’s HoloLens 2.
#News Is the Metaverse much ado about nothing? No major growth seen in the AR/VR device market even as industry players lay out future plans. #TrendForce points out 2 critical challenges. https://t.co/cInBkdLyQl
— TrendForce (@trendforce) February 16, 2022
According to the report, strong shipments from [Meta] and Microsoft would “likely” force Apple to release products to join this year’s competition, adding,
“[Considering] hardware performance requirements and gross profit margins, Apple will likely target the commercial market and adopt the same pricing strategy as HoloLens, hardware priced in the thousands of dollars and a monthly subscription-based software solution”
The report added that the Meta Platforms, Sony, and Apple could delay the launch of their new devices and are unlikely to contribute “significant growth to the overall AR/VR market for the time being.”
Apple’s ‘Metaverse’ Ambitions, Headset Updates
The latest rumour comes amid a series of critical updates on the Cupertino-based firm’s progress on developing its Metaverse ambitions, namely after Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook revealed plans to expand its XR goals with an increase in investments as well as the number of its AR solutions.
The headset is expected to debut in 2023 and has been delayed months after its initial announced release of mid-2022 due to the company’s need to optimise the head-mounted display (HMD) prior to mass production, Veteran Apple Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in reports.
The device is expected to feature Apple’s M1 processor, WiFi 6-7, standalone functionality, and a Sony 4K microLED display, among others.
