Apple Headset May Be Delayed Until 2H23 [Kuo]

The long rumored AR/VR Apple Headset may not launch until the second half of 2023, according to a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Previously, the market had predicted mass shipments of Apple's mixed reality headset in the second quarter of 2023. This would have been a boost to the optical industry in what is typically a low season. If the headset is delayed, Kuo says it could hurt near-term market sentiment for major suppliers including Largan (lens), Genius (Pancake), Cowell (camera module), Primax (eyeball tracking module), etc.

Based on the results of his survey, Kuo believes the headset will be pushed back due to software-related issues.


The mass shipment schedule of components is still likely 1H23/2Q23, but due to postponed mass shipment schedule of the end product, Apple MR headset shipment forecast in 2023 will likely be less than 500k units, which is lower than the market consensus of 800k-1,200k units.

Although the headset's release is likely delayed, Kuo is unsure if the unveiling event, previously expected in January 2023, will also be delayed. However, that analyst notes that too much time between unveiling and release is detrimental to sales. If Apple is to release the headset in 2H23, a WWDC 2023 unveiling might make more sense. Notably, recent trademark filings suggest that Apple has renamed the operating system for its headset from realityOS to xrOS.

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