Kuo: Apple AR Headset Coming in Late 2022 With Mac-Level Computing Power

Apple's long-rumored augmented reality (AR) headset project is set to bear its first fruit late next year with the launch of the first device carrying a pair of processors to support its high-end capabilities, according to a new research report from noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo seen by MacRumors.

apple mixed reality headset mockup feature purple
According to Kuo, the higher-end main processor is said to be similar to the M1 chip Apple introduced for its first set of Apple silicon Macs last year, while a lower-end processor will manage the sensor-related aspects of the device.

Kuo says the initial AR headset will be able to operate independently without needing to be tethered to a Mac or iPhone, and Apple is intending it to support a "comprehensive range of applications" with an eye toward replacing the ‌iPhone‌ within ten years.

We predict that Apple's AR headset to be launched in 4Q22 will be equipped with two processors. The higher-end processor will have similar computing power as the M1 for Mac, whereas the lower-end processor will be in charge of sensor-related computing.

The power management unit (PMU) design of the high-end processor is similar to that of M1 because it has the same level of computing power as M1.

In addition to AR, Kuo says the headset will also be able to support virtual reality (VR) experiences thanks to a pair of 4K Micro OLED displays from Sony, which require the computing horsepower of an M1-like chip.

Apple’s AR headset requires a separate processor as the computing power of the sensor is significantly higher than that of the iPhone. For example, the AR headset requires at least 6-8 optical modules to simultaneously provide continuous video see-through AR services to users. In comparison, an iPhone requires up to 3 optical modules running simultaneously and does not require continuous computing.

Last week, Kuo said that both the upcoming headset and the iPhone 14 coming next year will support Wi-Fi 6E technology, which offers the increased bandwidth and lower interference needed for AR and VR experiences.

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Top Rated Comments

boss.king Avatar
47 months ago
I genuinely wonder what they believe the killer feature or use is for this.
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hn333 Avatar
47 months ago
Adult entertainment will never be the same again. So I have heard.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sence Avatar
47 months ago
Anyone who has worn an Oculus knows this is the next thing, its like when Steve saw the GUI for the first time. Now I think you can see Oculus a bit as Xerox. They got a lot of stuff right, but navigation is terrible, UI is terrible, mainstream reach is terrible, weight of the set is terrible. This is where Apple comes in, refines the technology so it becomes usable, makes the main stream adopt it by Appstore. As for usage, who wouldn't like infinite extra screens setup while working, having blueprints show up as an overlay while working on the car, having notifications and phone integration. I can think of a zillion thing that this could be used for and problems it would solve.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ouimetnick Avatar
47 months ago

Kuo says the initial AR headset will be able to operate independently without needing to be tethered to a Mac or iPhone, and Apple is intending it to support a "comprehensive range of applications" with an eye toward replacing the iPhone within ten years.
You'll have to pry that iPhone 24 Pro Max Plus out of my cold dead hands.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mejsric Avatar
47 months ago
and in mid of 2022, there will be production issue and move to 2023. yeah i predicted Kuo!
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
- rob - Avatar
47 months ago
If ever there was a reason to hold out on a new high end display, it is these.

I have read about people spending all day in virtual spaces working on virtual monitors. And it is good.

I could see moving over to being goggled in.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)