Apple to launch AR headset in 2022 with smart glasses to follow in 2023, report claims

The biggest Apple rumor outside of Apple Car has been revived in a big way.

According to a report by The Information, Apple is planning to launch an augmented reality (AR) headset in 2022, followed by a sleeker pair of AR glasses in 2023.

While we've heard loads of similar reports over the years, this one — if accurate — is different.

First, The Information claims that Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke about the project at an internal gathering of as many as 1,000 Apple employees, which is an uncommonly large number. Second, the report contains loads of details, not only about the AR headset/glasses hardware, but also about Apple's plans and ideas about the concept of wearable augmented reality devices.

First, the headset. It's code-named N301 and will be a virtual reality and augmented reality hybrid. On the outside, it will look like a "sleeker" Oculus Quest, with cameras mounted on the outside (important for AR, which must include a way to view reality in order to mix virtual elements into it). It will be lightweight and comfortable enough to be worn for extended periods of time, the report says.

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Inside, the headset will have a high-resolution display and 3D-mapping capabilities, as well as the ability to detect humans.

Perhaps the more interesting gadget of the two are the AR glasses, which are code-named N421 (we've previously heard codenames Iris and Mirrorshades; it's unclear whether these are the same devices). These will be meant to worn all day, meaning they'll have to be slimmer, lighter and more comfortable than the headset. Apple's current prototypes are essentially sunglasses with "thick frames" with the electronics stuffed inside, the report says — perhaps (my guess) something similar to Snap's Spectacles.

Apple is looking into putting some advanced tech into the glasses, including darkening the lenses when the wearer is using AR. And, according to a source familiar with the project, Apple believes that these glasses could replace the need to carry iPhones "in roughly a decade."

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Rumors of Apple building a VR headset and/or AR glasses have been around for six years, interspersed with (often conflicting) rumors and reports. Apple CEO Tim Cook added to the confusion over the years, having at times been very enthusiastic about AR and then later saying the tech to build a quality AR headset/glasses product "doesn't exist" yet.

Notably, The Information's report appears to contradict a recent report from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, which said in October that Apple plans to launch an AR headset or glasses as soon as the second quarter of 2020. Kuo's report also indicated that the AR glasses would be positioned as an iPhone accessory instead of a standalone product.

The difference in the launch date is very important. 2020 is around the corner, which would suggest the product, be it the headset or the glasses, is nearly ready for launch. In contrast, a 2022/2023 launch window is far enough into the future that Apple could significantly alter its plans or even completely rework the product before launch.