Update: October 9, 2019: Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in a new research note has said that Apple’s augmented reality headset will enter mass production in fourth quarter of 2019 and launch in Q2 2020. He added that Apple will partner with third-party brands for the AR headset, with Changying Precision tipped to be the main chassis supplier. This is said to be marketed as an iPhone accessory and primarily take a display role while wirelessly offloading computing, networking, and positioning to the iPhone.
Apple’s long-rumoured head-mounted AR device will be ready by the middle of next year, according to the most reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Ming-Chi Kuo, who has always been accurate with Apple predictions has stated that mass production of AR headset could start as soon as the fourth quarter of 2019 and not beyond the second quarter of 2020. Furthermore, the company is planning to scrape a standalone device plan and expected to rely on the iPhone instead.
According to Kuo, the AR glass won’t have any graphics processor or CPU but relies on a connected iOS device to drive the AR experience. The company’s AR glasses is expected to come equipped with a display, camera sensors, and wireless connectivity electronics, which indeed makes them lighter and power efficient.
While the prospect of buying an iPhone to experience AR might prove to be costly, but on the other side, the Cupertino giant is planning to resurrect the iPod Touch with a modern A12 processor. However, details regarding the launch or features it might include are nowhere reported yet. Apple last updated the hardware in the iPod touch in July 2015 with an A8 chip, an 8MP rear camera, and six color options. The iPod touch lineup was last refreshed in July 2017 when Apple streamlined the available capacity options and introduced new pricing tiers.