Apple’s Rumored Mixed-Reality Headset Could Arrive This Year, After All

When it comes to Apple’s AR/VR headset, there are plenty of rumors swirling in the air but nothing is set in stone. As the device inches closer to finalization, though, we might just be finally hearing something official soon. 

A new report from DigiTimes states that sources as component suppliers expect Apple’s first AR/VR headset to begin mass production in August or September this year, meaning that it’ll make its grand debut by the end of 2022. 

The firm appears to have finished second-phase engineering validation and testing (EVT 2), which is often undergone to ensure the prototype lives up to the original design’s goals. 

EVT 3 testing is the next stage, which will apparently be starting “soon.” The publication has also detailed that there’s a second headset on the way, and this is claimed to be making a 2023 appearance. 

Tom’s Guide notes that previously, it was believed that the first AR/VR headset would be geared towards developers so app makers can adapt to the new tech before the release of Apple Glasses. This will mean that when users get their hands on the device, there would already be a selection of viable apps for them to experiment with. 

This report of the device moving into EVT 3 stage comes just a few weeks after it was reported that a new operating system for the headset appeared to be confirmed. 

[via Tom’s Guide and AppleInsider, image via xcarrot_007 / Shutterstock.com]