Appleās hotly-anticipated mixed reality headset ā which would combine both virtual and augmented reality experiences ā could now be delayed until 2023.
Apple had yet to officially confirm the existence of the headset and its release date. However, multiple leaks and rumors indicated that the Apple MR headset would launch in 2022 ā likely as part of its annual Worldwide Developers Conference lineup in June.
Unfortunately, Bloomberg is reporting that sources close to the project believe this may no longer be the case. It's claimed that the headset is now expected to launch next year due to delays caused by continuing development issues.
The sources specifically claim that the MR headsetās problems are related to overheating, cameras and software.
Itās not yet clear whether this supposed delay will also impact the Apple Glasses, which are rumored to launch sometime after the Apple headset. However, given that leaks suggest the two projects have been linked throughout their development we wouldnāt be surprised if the Glasses have also been affected by these same challenges.
Weāre not entirely surprised by the delay. From what weāve heard so far about the MR headset it sounds like Apple may have bitten off more than it can chew. Itās supposedly aiming to create a premium-level, feature-heavy, wireless device that's as powerful as a Macbook Pro but weighs less than a third of the weight of the Oculus Quest 2 ā all during a global pandemic.
Thereās also a chance these delays could be caused by Apple changing its approach to VR, AR and MR. Weāve previously heard that Apple wants its headset to only be used in short bursts ā with insiders saying this is because of its opposition towards the metaverse.
Weāll have to wait and see what Apple has in store for us when it finally releases an MR headset ā though it sounds like we might be waiting a little longer than we thought.
- Check out the best VR headsets you can buy in 2022
