The launch window of the upcoming augmented reality (AR) headset from Apple has been speculated a few times. Some say it's expected to launch in 2022, while others say it'll arrive sometime next year. It's still hard to say which would be the accurate prediction, but sources claim that Apple is ready to start a trial production for one of its key parts - the semitransparent lenses.
According to MacRumors (via The Information), Apple and Foxconn are ready to shift the lenses - that are to be used for the headset - from the prototyping phase to trial production. This could mean that the two companies are confident that their prototype now works and want to test it in larger batches. Allegedly, the lenses have already entered what's known as the engineering validation test (EVT) phase in May.
This phase is when a product's design is finalised and Apple can start testing whether it's suitable for mass production. Of course, this doesn't necessarily mean that the actual product is ready to launch soon. Allegedly, progress for AR and VR projects at Apple have been affected as the development teams are divided on whether to focus on delivering greater performance with an external hub or have all components contained inside the headset.
If Apple wants to retain the slim form factor we've seen in previous renders, then having the headset connects wirelessly to an external processing hub makes more sense. But what are your thoughts about this? Do let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news like this.
COMMENTS