Apple Headset is 'Last Hope' to Convince Investors of AR/VR Headset Potential [Kuo]

Apple's rumored mixed reality headset is the industry's 'last hope' to convince investors of AR/VR headset potential, according to a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a recent post, Kuo notes that Sony has cut its production plan for the PS VR2 by about 20% this year. Pico's headset shipments were 40% lower than expected last year and Meta's Quest Pro has sold just 300,000 units.

Kuo concludes that there is not enough evidence to suggest AR/VR headsets can become a star product for consumer electronics in the foreseeable future.


Apple's announcement event is likely the last hope for convincing investors that the AR/MR headset device could have a chance to be the next star product in consumer electronics. The current market consensus may overestimate AR/VR headset devices' contribution to key component suppliers over the next few years, particularly in the optical-related.

Previously, Kuo reported that Apple has pushed back mass production of its headset by one to two months. This reduces the shipment forecast for this year and adds uncertainty as to whether or not the headset will be unveiled at WWDC 2023. However, Tim Cook recently laid the groundwork for the release of a headset in an interview with GQ. Apple has also demonstrated the headset to its top one hundred executives, indicating that a release is imminent.

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is set for June 5 - 9 this year with a special in-person event on June 5. It still appears probable that the 'Reality Pro' headset will be unveiled at WWDC and released later in the year, giving developers time to create some interesting applications for the device.

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[Concept]