Apple VR/AR Headset Could Likely Launch in Early June & Spur Metaverse 

Reports suggest that the new Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) virtual and augmented reality headset could fast-track the emergence of the metaverse. The consumer electronics giant is on course to release its highly-anticipated mixed-reality headset in the weeks ahead. Many believe the upcoming device could spur the metaverse sector as the first genuine metaverse-specific Apple product.

In January, native tokens tied to metaverse projects such as Sandbox (SAND) and Decentraland (MANA) soared amid rumors of Apple’s VR/AR headset. Now, many analysts, including eToro’s Josh Gilbert, opine that the new headset’s actual launch could be a boon.

Gilbert’s assessment is primarily due to Apple’s proven track record of delivering high-quality, revolutionary products that ‘shift the needle’. According to him, anything Apple does, they “usually do it right”. However, Gilbert added that the launch of Apple’s mixed reality headset might not necessarily drive all metaverse-related tokens through the roof. The eToro market analyst explained that a fully immersive metaverse experience could still be a “long way off”. To underscore his point, Gilbert compared the initial launch of the iPhone with the availability of apps that later realized the phone’s potential.

Gilbert also opined that the performance of metaverse tokens like SAND and MANA would depend more on the industry’s perceived popularity. He said:

“The bottom line is that we are still very early in the metaverse world, and their performance will rely heavily on the popularity of the Metaverse in the future.”

The metaverse, and associated digital assets, rose in prominence during the 2021 crypto bull run. However, several initiatives instituted by leading players in the industry have yet to enjoy broad-scale adoption among users.

What We Know About the Upcoming Apple Metaverse Headset

The new Apple virtual and augmented reality metaverse headset could be called ‘Reality Pro.’ A report states that the hardware differs from the rumored Apple Glasses, which purely focuses on augmented reality.

The new Apple VR/AR headset could launch in three weeks (early June) and will likely compete with other premium VR headsets. These include the Meta Quest 2 and Sony’s PSVR 2.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously expected Apple to delay mass production of its Metaverse headset by up to 2 months. Kuo cited factors such as the device’s rumored $3,000 price tag and “compromises on some hardware specifications for mass production”. In addition, the reputable analyst said a lack of “iPhone moment excitement” for the headset could trigger a delayed release. However, Apple could still showcase its metaverse hardware offering at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The tech giant could use the event to preview the device to its prospective end-users ahead of the launch.

Apple Mainstream Hardware Sales for Fiscal Q2 2023

Earlier in the month, Apple released its fiscal Q2 2023 results, which revealed better-than-expected iPhone sales. However, the company’s Mac and iPad businesses did not fare as commendably for the same period. Cook ascribed the underwhelming performance to the macro situation and the lofty precedent of last year’s M1 MacBook Pro 14 and 16-inch.