A set of images of components for Apple's upcoming Mixed Reality Headset recently surfaced on social media. The images come from a Twitter user with a protected account who has shared accurate information about Apple components in the past. A couple of the images show a ribbon cable, which may be used to attach the display components to the board. Another image shows an array of three sensors or cameras stretched along another flexible band.
While the images don't explicitly state that they are components of Apple's headset, the design and shape of the cables and sensors clearly indicate that they are for the upcoming mixed reality headset. The images hint at the fact that these components will allow the mixed reality headset to allow people to use it outdoors.
This comes after Apple CEO Tim Cook backed operations director Jeff Williams in a push to launch the first-generation mixed reality headset device this year, over the objections of the company's design team. This was met with internal controversy, with the industrial design team wanting to delay the launch and the operations team wanting to release an early version of the product. Cook supported Williams by urging the company to launch the product as early as possible, which caused some discontent within the company. Apple has been working on the headphones for seven years, twice as long as it took to develop them before the release of the first-generation iPhone. The company expects the headset to sell only about 1 million units in its first year and sell for about $3,000 dollars.
If it launches early this year, then expect the first generation to be unveiled in June at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, followed by an official launch later in the year. While there have been many images of components of Apple's Mixed Reality Headset leaked online so far, we'll likely see more images and details made public as this device nears release and mass production begins.
