Writing in his Medium blog, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple will release the second version of its augmented reality/mixed reality headset in the first half of 2025. The first version is expected next year.
From his report, Kuo says:
- The high” ASP Pancake” lens is the key optical component of the headset directly affecting the visual experience and form factor design.
- The second-generation “Apple Glasses” (my term, not Kuo’s or Apple’s) may have high-end and more-affordable models, which will launch in the first half of 25, and component suppliers will start shipping in the second half of 24.
- Apple Glasses shipments may reach 10 million units as soon as 2025 or 2026, thanks to the second-generation Apple AR/MR product segmentation strategy and ecosystem.
- The first-generation Apple AR/MR will adopt two 3P Pancake modules (one for each eye). The total cost of the Pancake lenses is about US$30–40, roughly equivalent to 20 high-end 7P lenses. It provides a new growth driver for Apple’s optical supply chain in the medium and long term. The cost of the second-generation Pancake lenses will likely increase to improve the visual experience and form factor design.
In other Apple Glasses news, Apple has asked Samsung Display to develop micro OLED panels in an effort to diversify its supply ahead of next year’s launch of the first gen AR/MR headset, according to The Elec.
