Apple to Launch Mixed Reality Headset by 2022, AR Glasses by 2025, Contact Lenses in 2030-2040 [Report]

Apple is planning to launch a mixed reality headset by 2022, augmented reality glasses by 2025, and contact lens type products by 2030-2040, according to a new report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

"We predict that Apple's MR/AR product roadmap includes three phases: helmet type by 2022, glasses type by 2025, and contact lens type by 2030–2040," wrote Kuo. "We foresee that the helmet product will provide AR and VR experiences, while glasses and contact lens types of products are more likely to focus on AR applications."

Kuo says that Apple has several prototypes of its headset that weigh 200-300 grams but the final weight could be reduced to 100-200 grams if it can solves some technical problems. This would make them significantly lighter than existing VR devices. Kuo also predicts they will be priced around $1,000, in line with the price of a "high-end iPhone". The headset will purportedly be equipped with Sony's Micro-OLED displays and several optical modules that provide a "see-through AR experience" in addition to VR.


Apple's headset is said to be "portable" with independent computing and storage but not truly mobile. "When the technology improves, we believe that the new helmet product can also enhance its mobility," Kuo said.

The headset is expected to provide performance that is significantly better than what's currently available.

"Although Apple has been focusing on AR, we think the hardware specifications of this product can provide an immersive experience that is significantly better than existing VR products. We believe that Apple may highly integrate this helmet with video-related applications (e.g., Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, etc.) as one of the key selling points."

Kuo says that there's "no prototype yet" yet for Apple's rumored Glasses; however, he predicts they will offer an "optical see-through AR experience" and be more mobile than the headset, possibly integrating with Apple Car.


"While the helmet provides a great immersive experience, the glasses focus more on providing a 'mobile + AR' experience," he said.

Finally, Kuo says that in the future Apple will release "contact lenses" to bring electronics from the era of "visible computing" to "invisible computing".

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[via MacRumors]