Apple’s virtual reality (VR) and/or augmented reality (AR) glasses have been in the eye of the storm for the past few weeks as several analysts have predicted that they could be announced by Apple in January 2023. However, according to the latest information from Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple seems to have (again) postponed the distribution of this new device due to some “software issues” that they need to fix.
Ming-Chi Kuo expected Apple to begin global distribution of its VR/AR headsets in the second quarter of 2023, but it seems after these latest supply chain leaks, it will have to be postponed to the second half of 2023.
According to information from Kuo, different various changes and bugs in the new “xrOS” they would have caused Apple to stop and postpone the mass distribution of its headphones until mid-2023. Without including any additional reason, the analyst assumes this delay based on the latest surveys he has conducted with Apple’s main suppliers.
Notably this delay in distribution should not impact the presentation of the device in early 2023 as expected (and if not, say the first iPhone and the beta phase in which it was presented). It’s also been done before on other devices such as the Apple Watch, announcing it months before commercial availability.
However, and having the latest information on delays, Ming-Chi Kuo says the possibility of them being announced in January may be premature
It remains to be determined if the media launch event (previously estimated in January 2023) will also be delayed, but generally if the delay between the media event and the mass distribution of the final product is too long, is detrimental to the marketing and sales of the product.
Kuo also reiterates (unfortunately and as we already knew) that Apple Glasses should be a niche product. Anticipates that initial deliveries of the device will be “less than 500,000 units” in 2023. Kuo’s prediction is lower than other analysts’ consensus, which is between 800,000 and 1.2 million units.