Apple Supplier to Ship Lenses for AR/VR Headset as Soon as February

An Apple supplier is preparing to begin shipments of lenses to be used in Apple's upcoming AR/VR headset, according to a report today by DigiTimes.

apple ar headset concept 1
Concept render based on purported leaked information by Ian Zelbo

The report states that Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO) will supply lens modules for Apple's upcoming headset, rumored to be called "Reality Pro," with shipments starting as soon as next month.

Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO) will supply lens modules for VR head-mounted devices, to be launched by Apple in 2023, with shipments to begin in February-March 2023, according to GSEO's supply chain makers.

Apple has been working on its AR/VR headset for several years, with a launch expected to take place this year. A timeline set forth by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests that Apple will reveal the headset prior to WWDC, which takes place in June. At WWDC, Apple will detail its new xrOS operating system and introduce developers to its new capabilities before shipping the headset in the fall.

It is widely expected that Apple's first AR/VR product will be a high-end niche product aimed at developers and professionals. Several advanced technologies are rumored to be included in the headset, including over a dozen cameras to capture and translate real-world movements to virtual movements, two 4K micro-LED displays, iris scanning, facial expression tracking, powerful Apple silicon chips, and more.

The advanced nature of the headset will likely make it expensive, with rumors suggesting a price somewhere around $3,000. The headset will be Apple's first entry into a new AR/VR market and is just the start of Apple's roadmap. A new report this week said that Apple is working on a lighter, more affordable version of the headset while its augmented reality glasses face an indefinite delay.

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

Top Rated Comments

JamonBull Avatar
16 months ago
I have no interest in this product, but I'm really looking forward to it coming out so I don't have to see these mockups ever again.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dumastudetto Avatar
16 months ago
This is going to be a huge hit. Literally everyone I know has been putting money aside to buy in on day one. Pre-orders are going to potentially crash the Apple website IMHO.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kierkegaarden Avatar
16 months ago
Even at $3000 this would less expensive than Magic Leap and Microsoft offerings. Regardless, I think it will be a bigger hit than most are expecting.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
videosoul Avatar
16 months ago

Literally everyone I know
Either you don’t know many people, or you live in a very weird world!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KaliYoni Avatar
16 months ago
I wonder what insanely priced add-ons Apple will sell for the Reality Pro...

Nano-textured lens finish ($499)?
Tabletop stand with hook for hanging goggles when not in use ($749)?
Height adjustable tabletop stand with hook for hanging goggles when not in use ($999)?
Soft storage bag, made from upcycled Apple Polishing Cloths ($199)?

;-)
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lovehateapple Avatar
16 months ago

It makes sense that a $3k niche product would not be aimed at consumers, but I'd assume that unless you're already running Macs, there's no reason to deploy an Apple AR/VR headset if you have to change your existing IT, unless it's truly and entirely game changing technology.
I'm pretty sure the headset will be a stand alone device so you won't need to be a mac user or change your existing IT to use it. I know plenty of windows users who own iphones. I also think apple thinks their entry into AR / VR will be truly and entirely game changing. And I hope so too.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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