Skip to Content

Apple's AR/VR Headset Expected to Enter Mass Production in October Ahead of Late 2023 Launch

Apple's long-rumored AR/VR headset will enter mass production in October and launch by December, according to investment firm Morgan Stanley. Apple is still expected to unveil the headset at WWDC next week, and provide developers with tools to create apps for the device, which is expected to have its own App Store.

apple ar concept kane purple

Apple headset concept by designer Marcus Kane

"While we expect Apple's AR/VR headset to be unveiled next week, our supply chain checks suggest mass production won't start until October '23, with general availability most likely ahead of the December holidays," said Erik Woodring, an Apple analyst at Morgan Stanley, in a research note obtained by MacRumors.

Apple's supply chain is preparing to assemble only 300,000 to 500,000 headsets in 2023, according to Woodring. As widely rumored, he believes the headset will have a starting price of around $3,000, and he expects gross margins to be "close to breakeven at first," suggesting that Apple will initially make minimal profits on the device.

Morgan Stanley also reiterated that Apple plans to announce a new MacBook Air at WWDC, but it's unclear if this information is independently sourced or simply corroborating other rumors. Apple's keynote begins on Monday, June 5 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.

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

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple Released Seven New Products Today

Wednesday March 11, 2026 7:05 am PDT by
Starting today, the seven new Apple products that were announced last week are available at Apple Stores and beginning to arrive to customers. The colorful MacBook Neo and all of the other new products are on display at most Apple Store locations around the world starting today. Apple Stores have inventory of the new products for both walk-in customers and Apple Store pickup, but...
iOS 27 Mock Quick

10+ New Features Coming in iOS 27

Friday March 13, 2026 2:13 pm PDT by
We're only three months away from Apple's WWDC 2026 event, which will see the company unveil iOS 27. With the fully revamped version of Siri possibly delayed until September, iOS 27 is shaping up to be the update we wanted iOS 26 to be. There will be new Apple Intelligence features, updates for the iPhone Fold, and more, with the latest rumors summarized below. Foldable iPhone Features...
Apple 50 Years of Thinking Different

Apple Announces 50th Anniversary Plans

Thursday March 12, 2026 6:10 am PDT by
Apple today announced that it will celebrate the company's 50th anniversary over the coming weeks, but it has yet to reveal any specific plans. Apple was founded on April 1, 1976, so the company will turn 50 on April 1, 2026. "While Apple is known for looking forward, this milestone offers a special moment to reflect on the journey that has brought the company here, to celebrate the...

Top Rated Comments

jmovie Avatar
36 months ago
I miss the days when the MacRumors comments section was a place of actual thought and conversation. Now it's just a Twitter'ish hole where people fling flippant, sardonic dead-end comments. It's too easy to type "flop"; instead, give us a thoughtful argument as to the headwinds you think a new product might face. I am over the moon for this upcoming launch and I'd make my case, but it's not clear there's many left here who care... ?
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HobeSoundDarryl Avatar
36 months ago
I forecast the Phoenix (rising) iMac "bigger" will be branded PRO and "starting at only..." $3499, north of $4K nicely configured. Look back to the former iMac Pro as your guide.

As to Goggles, bring 'em on. Finally, FINALLY: an entirely NEW product creation from Apple this is not a slightly bigger or slightly faster rehash of the existing mix. I look forward to seeing whatever it can do and whatever it actually costs. I hope it dazzles... but, unlike seemingly many, reserve all judgement until the vapor is actually revealed so we can see what it actually is, what it can actually do, what it actually costs, etc.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
newyorksole Avatar
36 months ago

I miss the days when the MacRumors comments section was a place of actual thought and conversation. Now it's just a Twitter'ish hole where people fling flippant, sardonic dead-end comments. It's too easy to type "flop"; instead, give us a thoughtful argument as to the headwinds you think a new product might face. I am over the moon for this upcoming launch and I'd make my case, but it's not clear there's many left here who care... ?
I agree with ya. I am also very excited and can’t stand all of the doom and gloom comments on literally every article, no matter what it is.

it’ll be nice to discuss it all on Monday too when it’s revealed. Apple knows what they’re doing here.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
filmantopia Avatar
36 months ago

I agree with ya. I am also very excited and can’t stand all of the doom and gloom comments on literally every article, no matter what it is.

it’ll be nice to discuss it all on Monday too when it’s revealed. Apple knows what they’re doing here.
This is how it is every time. I always refer to this as the cycle of Apple criticism.

1) Apple would never do X.

2) Okay, Apple is doing X, but people will never buy it.

3) All the people buying X are sheep.

4) I bought X. But it’s flawed!

5) Apple was great when it did X, but will fail at the next thing they’re doing.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
36 months ago
For $3k I rather get a replacement for the 2020 iMac 27". It's 34 months old by WWDC 2023.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dumastudetto Avatar
36 months ago
Just a few days before we see all the magic for the first time. Anyone betting against Apple should prepare to lose their money.... AGAIN!
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)