JPMorgan Chase: Apple VR device will be released in the first quarter of next year

      Sina Digital News reported on the morning of February 4 that investment bank JP Morgan Chase (JP Morgan) analyzed that the rumored Apple virtual reality (VR) device may be released in the first quarter of 2022, which will serve as a prelude to Apple's augmented reality (AR) products.

　　Recently, the report discovered by foreign media iMore explained: "The industrial design of Apple's VR headset will be close to VR devices of other brands." The device is said to have six lenses and an optical LiDAR scanner to map the wearer's environment.

　　According to reports, most of the components of the headset will be manufactured starting in the fourth quarter of 2021. JPMorgan Chase revealed some of Apple's suppliers for the device, such as the device's processor is manufactured by TSMC, the lenses come from Largan Precision and Yujing Optoelectronics, and Pegatron assembles.

　　JPMorgan believes that Apple's VR headset will target the high-end consumer market and will be priced "more expensive than VR headsets currently on the market". This is apparently explained by the material cost of the device, "which alone could be over $500". This is consistent with a recent report by Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, who said that Apple's VR headset "will be significantly more expensive than rival headsets" and "will be comparable to other expensive Apple products, such as the $5,999 Mac Pro desktop".

　　Gurman also said that "Apple plans to launch the product in 2022," which is also consistent with JPMorgan's forecast.

　　Separately, JPMorgan also provided some information about Apple's rumored augmented reality (AR) glasses project. They predict that Apple's virtual reality glasses are unlikely to be released in the next 12 to 18 months due to "extremely difficult supply chain management and industrial design specifications," and that Apple wants the device to be "lightweight, beautiful, and easy to wear" and able to withstand long-term use. "The need for customized lenses may also hinder the transition to mass production.

　　Rumors about Apple's VR and AR glasses have been growing in recent months, with one device said to be entering "Phase 2 development." Bloomberg says Apple is planning to launch a VR headset as a prelude to a more ambitious AR glasses product.