Apple’s WWDC 2022 delivered new Macs with the M2 chip alongside iOS 16 and WatchOS 9. But sadly there was no information regarding the long-rumored mixed-reality headset at the developer conference. Looks like Apple has held up the announcement of the headset, with the company launching the device in the 2nd quarter of 2023. That’s according to prominent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Kuo uses the social media platform Twitter to reveal that Apple will make its debut in the AR/VR market with a launch of a mixed-reality headset in 2023. The analyst believes Apple will begin engineering validation testing with its headset in the next three months. If the headset passes the test, there is a big assurance to see Apple launching the headset in early 2023. Kuo also tells in advance that Apple will work on a long gap between the announcement and the launch to stay ahead of the competition. Apple is looking forward to handing over the units to developers weeks after the announcement.

Apple has been making efforts for its mixed-reality headset for the past few years. The launch of the Apple mixed-reality headset could open new market opportunities. The headset, even though it is not released yet, is seen as a new product category for Apple. Which hasn’t launched a breakthrough product after the Apple Watch.

Bloomberg explains that the headset is a mixed-reality device. Which means it will allow users to experience both AR and VR tech on a single device. It will reportedly be going to use multiple cameras to beam images to high-resolution displays inside the headset. Some reports suggest the headset could cost north of $3000, making it cheaper depending on developers and enthusiasts.

Apple isn’t the only one who is working on a mixed-reality headset. Meta is also working on the launch of a mixed-reality headset. Earlier this year, the company researched a virtual reality headset called “Project Cambria,” which uses a technique called pass-through augmented reality.

On the augmented reality side, Apple will introduce AR glasses to the market as soon as 2025. Those glasses will offer an “optical see-through AR experience.” Kuo forecasts Apple plans to release contact lenses with AR capabilities maybe in 2030.