Apple Planning to Replace the iPhone With AR Headset in 10 Years (2024)

by Hartley Charlton

Apple is planning to replace the iPhone with an augmented reality (AR) headset in 10 years, a process that is apparently due to start as soon as next year with the launch of a head-mounted device, according to a recent report.

Apple Planning to Replace the iPhone With AR Headset in 10 Years (1)Concept render of Apple's rumored AR headset by Antonio De Rosa

In a note to investors seen by MacRumors, eminent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo explained that "Apple's goal is to replace the ‌iPhone‌ with AR in ten years."

This transition is set to start in late 2022 with the launch of Apple's first AR headset. The device will apparently be able to operate independently without needing to be tethered to a Mac or ‌iPhone‌, and Apple is intending it to support a "comprehensive range of applications" to kickstart the process of replacing the ‌iPhone‌.

As well as AR, the headset will be able to support virtual reality (VR) experiences thanks to a pair of 4K Micro OLED displays from Sony, which require the computing horsepower of an M1-like chip.

Apple's AR headset requires a separate processor as the computing power of the sensor is significantly higher than that of the iPhone. For example, the AR headset requires at least 6-8 optical modules to simultaneously provide continuous video see-through AR services to users. In comparison, an iPhone requires up to 3 optical modules running simultaneously and does not require continuous computing.

In terms of hardware, the headset will reportedly feature two processors to support its high-end capabilities. The main processor will be a powerful SoC similar to the M1 chip Apple introduced in its wave of Apple silicon Macs last year, while a lower-end processor will manage the device's sensors.

We predict that Apple's AR headset to be launched in 4Q22 will be equipped with two processors. The higher-end processor will have similar computing power as the M1 for Mac, whereas the lower-end processor will be in charge of sensor-related computing.

The power management unit (PMU) design of the high-end processor is similar to that of M1 because it has the same level of computing power as M1.

With the headset now "approaching liftoff," according to Morgan Stanley analysts, Kuo said that Apple's AR headset will begin mass production in the second quarter of 2022 and launch in the fourth quarter of 2022.

For more information about Apple's rumored AR headset, see our detailed roundup that outlines everything rumors and leaks say we can expect.

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Apple Planning to Replace the iPhone With AR Headset in 10 Years (2024)

FAQs

Apple Planning to Replace the iPhone With AR Headset in 10 Years? ›

Eventually, Apple's plans for this headset could become larger. The company's "goal is to replace the ‌iPhone‌ with AR in 10 years," Kuo explained in a note to investors, seen by MacRumors. The device could be relatively lightweight, about 300 to 400 grams (roughly 10.5 to 14 ounces), according to Kuo.

Is Apple's goal to replace the iPhone with AR in ten years? ›

With time technology will also gain traction and will become cheaper leading to more affordable devices in the next 10 years. Even a reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple's strategy is to replace iPhone within the next 10 years with the AR headset or whatever AR tools we would have in the future.

What will Apple replace the iPhone with? ›

In a note to investors seen by MacRumors, eminent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo explained that "Apple's goal is to replace the ‌iPhone‌ with AR in ten years." This transition is set to start in late 2022 with the launch of Apple's first AR headset.

Will Apple come out with a VR headset? ›

Apple Vision Pro officially launched on February 2nd, 2024, across the US, and users got to experience the dubbed VR headset. Now that it's finally here, what have the users experienced with the 3,500 USD gadget that aims to blend digital content with the physical world using spatial offerings?

Why you should wait for iPhone 17? ›

Improved battery life: iOS 17 is said to improve battery life on iPhones. New security features: iOS 17 includes a number of new security features, such as password and passkey sharing and sensitive content warnings.

What is Apple's goal by 2030? ›

Apple announced significant progress towards its goal to decarbonize its value chain, including revealing that more than 320 suppliers – representing 95% of the company's direct manufacturing spend – have now committed to use 100% renewable energy for Apple production by 2030, up from around 250 suppliers last year.

What iPhones will stop working in 2025? ›

iPhone Support Duration
ModelRelease dateSupported
iPhone XR26-Oct-18Yes – Until 2025
iPhone 1120-Sep-19Yes – Until 2026
iPhone 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max20-Sep-19Yes – Until 2026
iPhone SE (2nd generation)24-Apr-20Yes – Until 2027
24 more rows
Sep 16, 2023

What does Apple replacement device mean? ›

Replacement iPhones are typically provided through Apple's warranty program or a third-party insurance program. They are usually brand-new or like-new devices. In both cases, the iPhone has been restored to its original factory settings, so it should be in good working order.

Is iPhone being discontinued? ›

The standard iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are still available at the time of writing. Apple typically phases out older products from its catalogue as new devices are introduced. Following last year's iPhone 14 event, it discontinued the iPhone 13 Pro models, the iPhone 12 Mini, and the iPhone 11.

What will Apple AR VR headset do? ›

The headset is capable of running popular Apple apps, including Books, Camera, Contacts, FaceTime, Mail, Maps, Messages, Music, Notes, Photos, Safari, and more in mixed reality -- a blend of both AR and VR. The headset launched with 600 new apps, including Zoom, Microsoft 365, Slack, Todoist, and more.

How much will Apple's new VR headset cost? ›

The Apple Vision Pro comes with a high price tag. Headsets start at $3,499 for 256 gigabytes of storage. The headset with the largest amount of storage, 1 terabyte, costs $3,899. Customers who require vision inserts may have to pay more, the website said.

Why is Apple VR so expensive? ›

Apple's Vision Pro headset starts at $3,499. The Vision Pro includes lots of pricey state-of-the-art parts. One estimate from research firm Omdia puts the "bill of materials" for the headset at $1,542, and that doesn't include the costs of research and development, packaging, marketing or Apple's profit margin.

Is there a new iPhone coming out in 2025? ›

Apple hasn't even announced the iPhone 16 yet, but we're already starting to hear about its plans for the iPhone 17, which will likely launch in 2025.

What iPhone is coming out in 2025? ›

A report from MacRumors indicated Apple is indeed developing a new iPhone SE that reportedly includes some dramatic upgrades. But it may not launch until 2025, according to a newer report from MacRumors. The iPhone SE's release cadence hasn't been as routine as that of Apple's flagship iPhones.

Will there be a new iPhone in 2025? ›

Future iPhone Features

Up until 2025, ProMotion will be limited to the higher-end "Pro" iPhones. The iPhone 17 Pro Max that's coming in 2025 could feature a 48-megapixel Telephoto lens that is optimized for the Vision Pro headset.

How long until you should replace iPhone? ›

A common strategy is to upgrade every two to three years. This allows you to enjoy new features without sacrificing the longevity of your current device. It's also a popular choice as most phone contracts are two or three years in length.

Is the iPhone going to be replaced? ›

Top analyst and long-time industry insider Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple expects to replace the iPhone in just 10 years - by 2032. Apple is expected to unveil a headset, which could look something like Facebook's Oculus Quest 2.

How long until iPhones become obsolete? ›

One can guess based on previous iPhones, that actual obsolescence, when the iPhone can no longer be reasonably used for every day tasks, will not happen until around 9 to 11 years after original release. For a 2020 iPhone that would be around 2029 to 2031.

What are Apple's goals for 2025? ›

Apple is also accelerating progress toward plastic-free packaging by 2025. In addition to achieving the first 100 percent fibre-based packaging for the new Apple Watch and band lineup, the packaging for every iPhone 15 model is over 99 percent fibre-based.

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