This delay is almost certainly due to issues arising from using the M2 chip. Apple has (reportedly) chosen to use the M2 as opposed to a purpose-designed chip and power efficiency is very likely to be horrendous. All current standalone headsets (e.g. Pico 4, Quest 2, Quest Pro, Pimax Crystal, et.al.) use ARM's custom-designed first generation XR2 chips (or the XR2+ variant).
Apple is reportedly using the M2 which is not designed to be anywhere near that power efficient. Apple can't just "add a bigger battery" to fuel the M2--adding weight makes the headset heavier and uncomfortable.
The engineering challenges stem mainly from battery technology along with the immaturity of software. I have little doubt that Apple will do well on the software front, but their decision to use the M2 betrays quite a bit of hubris IMHO. I'd expect a short 30-60 minutes of use (max) before needing to be recharged.
Folks need to understand why Apple & Meta are working in this area--they see AR/VR/XR as the next computing platform. Meta is the industry leader for a reason--they've invested billions in R&D, employ most of the talent, and have been pushing the industry forward. And even then, the best consumer AR kit they could produce is Quest Pro with a BOM of ~$900 and a retail price of $1500. Apple's device will almost certainly retail ~$2000-$3000 and the fact that they still can't make it work satisfactorily shows how far behind they've fallen.
zerozed t1_iz0audk wrote
Reply to Kuo: Apple Headset Shipments Potentially Delayed (Again) Until Second Half of 2023 by BiscuitOfGinger
This delay is almost certainly due to issues arising from using the M2 chip. Apple has (reportedly) chosen to use the M2 as opposed to a purpose-designed chip and power efficiency is very likely to be horrendous. All current standalone headsets (e.g. Pico 4, Quest 2, Quest Pro, Pimax Crystal, et.al.) use ARM's custom-designed first generation XR2 chips (or the XR2+ variant).
Apple is reportedly using the M2 which is not designed to be anywhere near that power efficient. Apple can't just "add a bigger battery" to fuel the M2--adding weight makes the headset heavier and uncomfortable.
The engineering challenges stem mainly from battery technology along with the immaturity of software. I have little doubt that Apple will do well on the software front, but their decision to use the M2 betrays quite a bit of hubris IMHO. I'd expect a short 30-60 minutes of use (max) before needing to be recharged.
Folks need to understand why Apple & Meta are working in this area--they see AR/VR/XR as the next computing platform. Meta is the industry leader for a reason--they've invested billions in R&D, employ most of the talent, and have been pushing the industry forward. And even then, the best consumer AR kit they could produce is Quest Pro with a BOM of ~$900 and a retail price of $1500. Apple's device will almost certainly retail ~$2000-$3000 and the fact that they still can't make it work satisfactorily shows how far behind they've fallen.