Apple’s rumored $3,000 AR/VR headset is now set to go into mass production in August or September, indicating we may see mixed reality headsets before the end of 2022.

The head-mounted display, which is expected to feature MacBook Pro-level power, has previously been forecast to arrive in late 2022 by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Now, a recent report from DigiTimes (via iMore) indicates that Apple is preparing to launch the device before the end of 2022, as the AR/VR headset will reportedly go into mass production sometime in 2020. August or September.

Apple is apparently set to complete the next round of production validation testing, with the report stating that “AR/VR headsets are expected to undergo EVT3 soon and enter volume production in August-September before hitting the market.” market by the end of the year, the sources said.

The headset is aimed at professionals, unlike the Oculus Quest 2 or the upcoming PSVR 2, which is more in tune with consumers in general. According to Kuo, Apple’s VR headset will feature a 96W USB-C power adapter, indicating that the HMD will offer processing power on the same level as a MacBook M1, and possibly the more advanced M1 Pro or M1 Max. . As previously reported, Apple’s VR headset will be a standalone device, meaning it won’t be connected to a Mac or iPhone.

We also know that Apple’s first mixed reality headset is expected to come equipped with Wi-Fi 6/6E for an enhanced wireless experience, and is expected to compete with other highly anticipated VR headsets coming in 2022, like the rumored one. Meta high end. Project Cambria VR Headset.

Whether or not the launch window is accurate, only time will tell. While we wait for Apple’s rumored VR headset to drop in late 2022, find out how up-to-date PlayStation’s next-gen VR headset is in our PSVR 2 vs. PSVR showdown.