Apple AR glasses prototype in 2nd phase of development – Report

DigiTimes, a Taiwanese tech publisher, reports that Apple AR glasses prototype has entered the second phase of development. Based on information from supply chain sources, the publisher claims that alleged AR glasses will reach their third phase of development this year.

Previously, The Information reported that the company has partnered with Foxconn to manufacture semi-transparent lenses for its Apple AR glasses or headset.

The Information has learned that Apple is working with Taiwan’s Foxconn Technology, Apple’s largest contract manufacturer and the one responsible for building most iPhones, to develop semitransparent lenses for its AR devices. As of two months ago, the lenses—considered one of the most essential elements of the head-worn devices—had passed the prototype stage and entered trial production, a person familiar with the matter said.

Apple AR glasses in development

DigiTimes further details that after the prototype design is approved, the Augmented Reality glasses will move on to engineering verification. Apple is said to be focusing on the glasses’ weight and battery life.

The expected time of launch of the rumored Apple AR glasses is a little confusing.  Recently, Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that the Cupertino tech giant will launch AirTags and AR devices in 2021( Kuo report does not mention which AR devices to expect this year). But Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reported that Apple will not release the alleged device before 2023. According to Gurman, the VR project is facing development delays due to internal issues over wireless connectivity of Augmented Reality glasses to a nearby hub or provide processing power with the device.

In reference to the iPhone maker’s AR project, sources indicated that the company is working on expanding the technology. DigiTimes wrote that all iPhone models in 2021 will be shipped with LiDAR scanners to support AR. Currently, the 2020 iPad Pro and iPhone 12 Pro models support the aforementioned technology.

However, there are unanswered questions about the functionality of Apple AR glasses like would they be used for gaming or everyday purposes, and the safety concerns of using those glasses while driving or walking outside.