Apple is rumored to have once again pushed back production of its mixed-reality headset, and the device may not debut at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, according to noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a tweet, Kuo explained that Apple “isn’t very optimistic” about whether the headset will be able to create an “iPhone moment.” As a result, the company has chosen to delay the device’s mass production schedule to the middle to the end of the third quarter of 2023. Kuo believes that the delay adds uncertainty around “whether the new device will appear at WWDC 2023, as the market widely expects.”
The delay could lower the number of expected units for 2023 to just 200,000 to 300,000 units. Previously, around half a million units were expected to ship this year.
Apple’s cause for concern with the device is said to be anticipation of poor market feedback, catalyzed by the economic downturn, hardware specification compromises, the weight of the device, the readiness of the headset’s ecosystem and applications, and its high selling price. Kuo believes that the headset will be priced at $3,000 to $4,000, or even higher.
Apple yesterday announced that WWDC 2023 will be held between June 5 and June 9. Until now, all indications have suggested that this would be when Apple would introduce the headset.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via MacRumors and @mingchikuo