The first-generation Apple mixed reality headset is expected to launch this year. Previously, Bloomberg reported that the new headset might be announced at the WWDC 23 event but citing software issues, Ming-Chi Kuo recently said that the announcement might be pushed back.
Sharing information additional information on Apple’s new product category, Kuo also claims that the cheaper second-generation Apple mixed reality headset would be a joint effort by Luxshare and Foxconn and would launch in 2025.
Luxshare and Foxconn to produce the cheaper Apple mixed reality headset coming
Recently, Nikkie Asia reported that Apple had hired Luxshare to produce its first-generation mixed-reality headset. The company historically uses Taiwanese manufacturers like Foxconn to produce first-generation products but for the first time, it has tapped a Chinese manufacturer.
It was detailed that Luxshare, which already builds iPhones, Apple Watch, and AirPods for the tech giant, was chosen because it had acquired the AR development team in Shanghai which was previously owned by Pegatron which was the first supplier to develop AR devices for Apple.
The Taiwanese company has been making Microsoft’s Hololens mixed-reality headset for years but became skeptical about Apple’s AR plans and gradually exited the project to focus on other applications such as automotive and servers, a supply chain executive with knowledge of the matter told Nikkei Asia.
The report also mentioned that Foxconn was working on a cheaper model of the mixed-reality headset.
Kuo corroborated that report and further explained that Pegatron will be transferring its transfer AR/MR development team and production resources to Luxcaseict (a joint venture between Luxshare ICT and Pegatron), led by Luxshare ICT, in 1H23.
Although the profits of the new headset are expected to be low, Luxshare will be leading the design and production of the first-generation headset to win the order for the second-generation headset.
Manufactured by Luxshare and Foxconn, Kuo states that the second-generation Apple mixed reality headset will cost a lot less than its predecessor and have high and low-end models.
Luxshare ICT will use Luxcaseict to win orders for Apple’s new AR/MR headset products in the future. I think the best scenario for Luxcaseict is for Apple’s headsets to sell well and conduct an IPO when the visibility of revenue and profit growth is good.
Apple’s second-generation AR/MR headset has two high-end and low-end models. The high-end and low-end will be developed and produced by Luxcaseict and Foxconn, respectively. The current launch schedule for both models will likely be in 2025.
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