Reportedly, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is likely to make headway into the augmented reality (AR) headset space with mass production between the fourth quarter of 2019 and the second quarter of 2020.
Augmented reality headsets deploy cameras to transform the real-world view to an augmented one. Notably, AR technology has been gaining significant traction in recent times driven by its affordability and wide-scale availability.
Per reports from IDC, AR headset shipments are expected to witness CAGR of 214% between 2018 and 2022 to reach $21.6 million.
AR Headset to Rely on iPhone
To make a mark in this growing market space, Apple had initially planned to roll out a standalone AR headset featuring its own screen, an Apple-designed chip and its new operating system. It was also supposed to support virtual reality (VR) and provide 8K display for each eye.
Reportedly, now the glasses will only be used as a medium of display to provide information in the user’s field of view, for which it will be leveraging Internet connectivity, location services and actual computing from the user’s iPhone, similar to Apple Watch.
While having a display-only function can reduce the weight of the headset, reliance on the user’s phone can significantly drain its battery.
Nevertheless, the headset is likely to be equipped with sensors, which will detect a user’s surroundings. Additionally, given Apple’s loyal customer base, we believe the headset’s reliance on iPhone will boost sales for the company.
Apple Inc. Revenue (TTM)
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Facebook launched an ad-supported AR feature in the Messenger app that enables users to see products they are shopping for. Further, the company recently deployed its AR technology to bring a massive mural to life in Austin. Notably, the company’s effort is aimed at providing exposure to local artists in the area.
Facebook, Inc. Revenue (TTM)
Moreover, Amazon’s AR View, enables customers to visualize online products in their living space via their smartphone cameras. This Zacks Rank #3 stock is also using AR/VR technologies in fields like healthcare, autonomous driving and wealth management.
Amazon.com, Inc. Revenue (TTM)
Similar to ARKit, Google’s ARCore uses motion tracking, environmental understanding and light estimation to integrate virtual content with the real world. Recently the company’s innovative AR technology was selected by MediaTek to enhance the performance of its Helio P90 chipset.
Further, Google’s AR technology, which is available in over 250 million Android devices, was recently introduced with a new update, Sceneform 1.6. Google currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.
Alphabet Inc. Revenue (TTM)
Microsoft has directed its efforts toward mixed reality (MR), which stands for a combination of AR and VR technology. This Zacks Rank #3 company recently rolled out its HoloLens 2 MR headsets.
Notably, this technology has gained significant traction among developers, ranging from defense (the U.S. army, Israel army), healthcare, architecture, construction industries to the scientific research domain. Per reports, MR is poised to overtake VR and AR in the near term.
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