A new report claims Apple is partnering with game distributor Valve to develop a head-mounted Augmented Reality display, which could debut in the second half of 2020.
DigiTimes says its supply chain sources tell it that Apple has partnered with Valve to develop an Augmented Reality headset. Apple is said to be making use of the usual suspects to assemble the hardware, partnering with Pegatron and Quanta Computer.
While Valve wouldn’t be providing the VR “experiences” it may use its Steam distribution system to distribute them. In 2017, Steam used Apple’s macOS High Sierra’s eGPU and virtual reality support to bring a beta version of its own SteamVR to the Mac.
Apple also worked with both Valve and HTC to provide macOS Mojave VR support for the HTC Vive Pro headset.
While Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously predicted that production of an AR headset would begin before the end of the year, he said it would launch in the second quarter of 2020.
As is normal for reports involving DigiTimes and other rumor sources, you should take this report with a grain of your favorite low-sodium seasoning. But try not to get any in your eye, as that screws up your enjoyment of the Augmented Reality experience.
(Via AppleInsider)