Apple's mixed-reality headset hits roadblock, may not appear at WWDC event this year

Tech giant Apple recently confirmed that it will be unveiling the upcoming operating system, iOS 17, at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). While there were several reports about the tech company also teasing its much talked about mixed-reality headset, new reports suggest that we might have to wait a bit longer to catch the glimpse of the device.

As per reports, the mass production of Apple’s mixed-reality (MR) headset is being pushed back, again, so we can expect the device to not make the debut this year.

Ming-Chi Kuo, a trusted Apple analyst, on Thursday shared a new piece of information on Twitter, saying that the product’s mass production has been pushed back by a month or two.


"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," he tweeted.

"The delay also adds uncertainty to whether the new device will appear at WWDC 2023, as the market widely expects," Kuo added.

Kuo further said that the reasons for the delay behind the product could be Apple's hesitation as the tech giant is not feeling very optimistic about announcing an AR/MR headset due to the economic downturn and compromises on hardware specifications.

"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," he said.

Just a few days ago, Apple made the announcement saying that it will organise its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in virtually from June 5 through June 9 where it will also provide an opportunity for developers and students to celebrate in person at a special experience at Apple Park on opening day.