Kuo: Apple's Headset Coming End of 2022, Will Feature 'Pancake' Lenses

Apple's widely-rumored AR/VR headset is coming at the end of 2022, with shipments to ramp up in the first quarter of 2023, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

apple mixed reality headset mockup feature purple
In a research note with TF International Securities, obtained by MacRumors, Kuo said Apple's headset will feature two "3P pancake lenses," which have a folded design that allows light to reflect back and forth between the display and lenses. This design can allow Apple to release a more compact and lightweight headset.

The Information last year shared the above render of Apple's supposed headset based on a "late-stage prototype" that it viewed. The report claimed the headset will have a curved visor with a soft mesh material, swappable headbands, and more.

Earlier today, display industry consultant Ross Young claimed Apple's headset will be equipped with three displays.

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Deliver Next-Level Battery Life

Friday February 6, 2026 5:14 am PST by
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker. Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the...

Top Rated Comments

lazyrighteye Avatar
54 months ago

I just don't understand how they're going to find mass consumer appeal at the rumored $3k pricepoint. At $1k these fly off the shelves, but $3k puts it into a very niche category (and Apple doesn't do specific business-oriented products like Microsoft does).
[[immediately stops setting cash aside]]
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nholm Avatar
54 months ago
I could not be less excited.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
UltimateSyn Avatar
54 months ago
I just don't understand how they're going to find mass consumer appeal at the rumored $3k pricepoint. At $1k these fly off the shelves, but $3k puts it into a very niche category (and Apple doesn't do specific business-oriented products like Microsoft does).
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
54 months ago
The report claimed the headset will have a curved visor with a soft mesh material, swappable headbands, and more.

“So, we can expect Apple to sell swappable headbands like how they sell for Apple Watches. Different types, colors, and patterns.”

Can you imagine how expensive it's going to be to repair the headset if one of the pancake cameras gets broken? Apple care + is going to be a must-have. ?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DeLaSoul Avatar
54 months ago

As an Apple shareholder, I think investors are making way too big of a deal for Apple VR headset. It's not going to make a dent in Apple's bottom line for many years. Apple does not have killer apps for it and Apple does not have AAA gaming, which is what is driving most VR purchases today.

This is not a mass-market product in 2022. Probably not 2023 either. Maybe 2025 after 3 iterations, lower cost, and an app ecosystem.

What is a mass-market product is Apple Glasses that you can wear at all times throughout the day. Not a headset.

Also, Apple's failed HomePod product is a bit of warning for Apple VR. Yes, the hardware tech will be amazing and will be better than anything else out there. But it will be expensive. Facebook is basically selling the Occulus at hardware cost in order to drive up marketshare and then maybe make money from an appstore in the future. Apple will probably sell this for a much higher price than the Occulus which will make it a niche product, just like the Homepod.
FaceBook’s goal is to immerse you in their metaverse worlds and get you addicted, so they can totally track literally every move you make, and sell your wasted eyeball time to advertisers. That polarized rabbit hole of misinformation is going to be much deeper and darker.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iPadified Avatar
54 months ago
What would be more interesting to know is how these devices will deal with not perfect eye sight.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)