Apple Braces for Production Challenges Prior to Reality Pro Launch

With Apple’s annual developer conference just around the corner, excitement is building for the rumored mixed-reality headset. However, it’s important for fans to manage their expectations regarding availability. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Apple is already anticipating production challenges that could impact the launch of the Reality Pro headset, despite its planned debut at WWDC 2023 in June.

Numerous reports have indicated that Apple has faced difficulties bringing the device to market, despite a lengthy seven-year development period. The WSJ article supports these claims, citing sources familiar with the supply chain who suggest that most consumers will have to wait until at least fall to purchase a Reality Pro headset.

This represents a significant departure from Apple’s usual strategy of not discussing new products until they are ready for shipment. However, the company has invested years of development time and significant resources into this project, and Tim Cook is no longer willing to wait for perfection.

While Apple is reportedly making every effort to release the headset before the end of the year, some employees and suppliers have expressed concerns about potential delays related to software integration, production challenges, and market conditions.

According to the report, Apple is expected to launch the headset with a separate battery pack roughly the size of a handheld device, a departure from the company’s usual approach.

Due to manufacturing delays, mass production has been pushed back to September. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple will ship between 200,000 to 300,000 units this year, which is significantly fewer than estimates for other Apple products. Additionally, reports suggest that the Reality Pro headset will have a price tag of $3,000 upon launch.