“Long term, this doesn’t change anything for Apple.” — Gene Munster
From “Apple’s Headset Delay Is Only a Bump in the Road,” posted Friday to Loup Ventures subscribers:
- It looks like we’re going to be wrong on our recent prediction that Apple will show its MR headset at WWDC given development delays.
- If they miss the WWDC 2022 window, it makes most sense for Apple to hold off on debuting the device until WWDC 2023 given the importance of developer buy-in.
- While the delay is a headwind to a near term catalyst for AAPL multiple expansion, it’s a function of time before investor excitement returns regrading the topic.
- Long-term this does not change anything for Apple. Whether they show the product in 2022, 2023 or 2024 does not matter. Apple will eventually release a product that will build confidence with investors that Apple has a winning approach to AR and the metaverse.
Cue the video:
From Mark Gurman et al.’s “Apple’s New VR/AR Headset Risks Being Delayed Until 2023” posted earlier Friday:
Apple is considering pushing back the debut of its mixed-reality headset by at least a few months, potentially delaying its first major new product since the Apple Watch in 2015, according to people familiar with the situation.
The headset — a high-end device that blends virtual and augmented reality — was targeted for an unveiling at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June, followed by a release later in the year. But development challenges related to overheating, cameras and software have made it harder to stay on track, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private.
That could push the announcement until the end of 2022 or later, with the product hitting shelves by 2023, the people said.
My take: Munster puts the truthiness of Gurman’s reporting at 80% to 90%, which is pretty good considering how much news Mark breaks.
Get it right the first time.
No wine before it’s time.
But perfect is the enemy of good. But Apple is never judged on being just good.
As far as I can tell, you immerse yourself into the VR world by putting on the headset and some wrist rings to track your arm movements. Hand controllers control Virtual devices (mainly guns and other male power projection implements). I believe it’s important one has a very clear defined space to play in and is clear of objects and furniture you could bump into or trip on. The Oculus is mainly meant to be used standing or sitting only.
I’m sorry Bart , but that last paragraph starts to sound like a comedy of errors.
Strap on all your paraphernalia and go “get real”.
Tagline…Metaverse — its all over you.
BUT, still my sense is this is not where Apple is primarily after, they want something more useful and can be more ubiquitous in everyday life.
Telling is a response in an article about Oculus + VR games:
“Fine, but how’s the p%rn?”
With something strapped to your head commanding your attention, the word “finesse” is the only one that will capture the hearts of the masses.
Problem is…people’s interpretation of “finesse”.
IMO Apple is aiming for much broader AR scenarios that everyday people / non-gamers can experience and find useful in their daily lives. The device is Not necessarily to be used constantly but provide enhanced information and communication options without pulling out other devices.
Frankly, I think Apple wants to make something that impacts how life is enhanced rather than just how immersive a game is experienced..