After Apple released the iPhone 13, it was criticized for nothing new, but the next generation of products that Apple regarded as a secret weapon is expected to appear in 2022. The supply chain revealed that Apple’s first AR headset has completed P2 (the second phase of prototype testing) and is expected to be mass-produced in the second quarter of 2022, and is expected to come out in the second half of the year.

According to the supply chain, Apple’s AR headset has already completed one P2, and will enter the EVT (Engineering Verification Test) stage before entering mass production. It is expected to be available in the second half of 2022, which is later than what Ming-Chi Kuo has forecast.

Supply chain sources have pointed out that Apple’s AR headset plans 2 products, one is a high-end model, positioned as a commercial product, containing a camera and a laser optical sensor, weighing about 100-110 grams, and using a 5-nanometer process chip.

Apple's HMD will reportedly need to be connected to the iPhone via Bluetooth, and the frame part will be made of high-strength, lightweight magnesium alloy material containing trace rare earth elements.

The industry speculates that due to its relatively high cost of components and initial scale, the price may rise to more than US$2,000. Therefore, Apple positions it as an industrial product, with an estimated annual shipment scale of between 2 and 2.5 million." While I may be wrong, I think their use of "industrial product" likely translates better as a "Pro" model.  

The report further notes that "As for the general consumer model, the AR product's design hasn't been finalized yet and is estimated to enter mass production after 2023."  That's much later than previously reported on by others.   

At present, there are many AR glasses on the market, but the market is still in its infancy. IDC estimates that in 2020 the shipment scale of AR devices will be 630,000, while the industry estimates that shipments will only be about 200,000. Epson has the largest annual shipment of more than 20,000 units. Should Apple actually ship 2 to 2.5 million units by then, it will far exceed the overall market size at this stage. For more, read the full Digitimes report.