Another Report Says Apple's AR/VR Headset Delayed Until Next Year, Preview at WWDC Unlikely

Apple has been forced to delay the launch of its long-rumored AR/VR headset until next year due to thermal issues related to computing power with the processor, according to a new report from The New York Times, citing sources familiar with the matter.

apple ar headset concept 2

Apple headset render created by Ian Zelbo based on The Information reporting

From the report:

Apple hired an engineer from Dolby Technologies, Mike Rockwell, and tasked him with leading the [AR/VR] effort. His early efforts to create an augmented-reality product were hobbled by weak computing power, two people familiar with the project said. Continuing challenges with its battery power have forced Apple to postpone its release until next year, those people said.

Multiple reports in the last several months have indicated that the headset would not launch this year, despite speculation Apple could announce it during WWDC that starts on Monday. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in January that the headset faced a potential delay until 2023 due to development issues related to performance and thermals.

Apple's board has reportedly received a demo of the mixed-reality headset, indicating that despite reports of development issues, the headset is nearing completion. While Apple is highly unlikely to announce the headset on Monday during WWDC, it will announce iOS 16 and new tools for developers to create hands-free experiences and expanded use cases of Shortcuts and QR codes, according to the report.

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

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Top Rated Comments

SigurTom Avatar
38 months ago
Delayed from when, it hasn't been announced.
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
38 months ago
Figured, that was going to happen. I don’t even think Apple is ready for it.

Apple, please focus on the current lineup of products. (Delayed shipment, Chip shortage) Hardware and Software, too.

Honestly, this AR/VR product can wait until Apple gets it right overall. No rush!
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
filmantopia Avatar
38 months ago
Looking forward to seeing the beginning of the future of computing as we know it.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DelayedGratificationGene Avatar
38 months ago
Why is it always “delayed” lol…maybe Apple had a release date of early 2023 all along and nothing is “delayed”. Man the media just can’t help but try and put drama in almost everything smh..
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PinkyMacGodess Avatar
38 months ago
I think it should look like this scuba mask. It's the absolute best mask I've ever owned. *shrug*



Attachment Image
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheLunaPark Avatar
38 months ago
Hate to sound like a spoilsport but I just can’t muster up any sort of excitement at all for this product. To me, AR/VR has always felt like a novelty that’s really cool and impressive when done right but then I’ve had enough of it after one or two tries. Each to their own of course.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)