Apple Headset WWDC Debut Uncertain as Production Schedule Pushed Back [Kuo]

Apple has pushed back mass production of its rumored mixed reality headset by one to two months, according to a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This reduces the shipment forecast for this year and adds uncertainty as to whether or not the headset will be unveiled at WWDC 2023.

Because Apple isn't very optimistic about the AR/MR headset announcement recreating the astounding "iPhone moment," the mass production schedule for assembly has been pushed back by another 1-2 months to mid-to-late 3Q23. The delay also adds uncertainty to whether the new device will appear at WWDC 2023, as the market widely expects. Furthermore, due to the delay in mass production for assembly, the shipment forecast this year is only 200,000 to 300,000 units, lower than the market consensus of 500,000 units or more.

Kuo cites the economy, production compromises, an unready ecosystem, and a high price as concerns for Apple.


The main concerns for Apple not being very optimistic regarding the market feedback to the AR/MR headset announcement include the economic downturn, compromises on some hardware specifications for mass production (such as weight), the readiness of the ecosystem and applications, a high selling price (USD 3,000-4,000 or even higher), etc.

Notably, these are some of the difficulties that many Apple executives recognized when the headset was showcased internally this month.

Despite these issues, it still makes sense for Apple to debut the headset or at least its operating system at WWDC in June. This will give developers time to create software applications that will be key to making the headset popular and useful.

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