Apple’s Next Big Adventure: From Headsets to Lens‑Wearing Wizards
Rumour has it that Apple’s plunge into the realms of mixed reality (MR) and augmented reality (AR) will start with a splashy launch in 2022 and stretch all the way to 2030 and beyond. According to hot‑shot analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo, the company’s playbook is split into three neat stages: an MR headset hits the market in 2022, AR glasses follow in 2025, and finally, the elusive contact lenses arrive sometime between 2030 and 2040.
Phase‑1: The “Not‑So‑Heavy” MR Headset
Kuo’s prototype specs (200–300 g) hint at a wizardry‑in‑the‑making. He expects the final version to weigh just 100–200 g, dusting off the inconvenience of clunky gear. “Picture a headset that’s as light as your laptop but runs on its own (no phone tethering required) and comes with built‑in storage,” he mused. Funnily, the company might set this sophisticated gadget’s price around $1,000 (or roughly S$1,350), not too wild compared to other flagship tech.
Expectations, Features, and the “Mysterious” Price Tag
- Independent computing power
- Built‑in storage for apps and media
- Intended for a smooth, handheld experience
Phase‑2: AR Glasses—Almost There
At this point, Apple has nothing concrete to show us—a camera, a panel, a prototype. However, the buzz is that the glasses will give users a “see‑through” AR experience, meaning you can look at the real world while superimposing a digital overlay. Kuo also suggests a potential link to the Apple Car, but that’s pure speculation for now.
What Kuo Knows (And What He Won’t)
- No prototypes yet available
- Could feature optical overlays for a sleek look
- Possibly works in harmony with Apple’s automotive ecosystem
Phase‑3: The “Invisible” Contact Lens Line
We may be looking at eyewear that literally becomes invisible. Kuo hints at the emergent “invisible computing” era—imagine data streaming, notifications, navigation, all tailored to your vision without ever taking a hard look at a screen. No details yet, so it’s open to wildly imaginative (and probably wild!) speculation.
Exclusive Eavesdropping: The Ultra‑Premium Rumour
Sources sounding like they’re from a very high‑end boutique say the headset could be a sleek, ultra‑premium marvel, priced at a cool $3,000 and armed with a dozen+ cameras for highly accurate hand‑movement tracking. Sounds like a high‑tech action movie!”
Bottom Line
Apple is clearly dancing across the spectrum of immersive tech—starting with a reasonably priced headset, gliding towards stylish glasses, and maybe finishing with lenses that do more than just correct your vision. Whether or not we’ll see all of these come to life by 2030 remains to be writ, but one thing’s for sure: the tech world is ready for the next big chapter in AR, and Apple is poised to be its main author.
