After all, the centerpiece is a VR headset? Apple's outlook for 2023

　When Apple announces a new product, it is customary to hold a large-scale announcement event represented by WWDC and run many advertisements in advance. However, the company has quietly announced a total of six products across three categories in late 2022 and early 2023 without a big event.

　Apple seems to be quite modest compared to before. Overseas media PhoneArena is analyzing Apple's trends in 2023 based on 2022 trends and various leak information.

VR/AR headset

　First of all, the main feature of 2023 is the “Apple VR / AR headset”. Although development has been rumored for quite some time, there have been reports of delays in development and postponement of the announcement. As much time has been invested in development, its functions and performance have attracted a great deal of attention, and it is expected to significantly move the VR/AR headset market in 2023.

　However, it is the price of the main unit that becomes a hindrance here. According to the information so far, Apple's headset is rumored to cost as much as $ 3000 (about 393,000 yen) for the main body alone. It may be a hot buy for users who already own and are paying attention to VR/AR headsets, but the price is too high to target those who don't.

　Another big point is that it is the first generation. As with any product, it's easy to imagine that the original product had many problems. After that, we have built up two and three generations, and we are gradually getting closer to the final product, but paying a high price for a first-generation product that is still unknown is, in a sense, a gamble.

　It is believed that Apple will first focus on some core users and use the feedback received on the original product to lead to the development of more reasonable products in the future.

iPhone 15 series

　We must not forget the existence of the next iPhone 15 series. Although the VR/AR headset mentioned above is a potential source of revenue for the company in the future, it goes without saying that the company currently derives a lot of its profits from the iPhone.

　According to PhoneArena, in the iPhone 15 series, the current notch Muji Plus model will become Dynamic Island, and the difference between the Pro model and the lower model in terms of camera specifications is expected to widen. There are also rumors of a more expensive "Ultra" model. However, since the new iPhone is usually announced in September, it seems premature at this point.

iPads and Apple Watches

　In 2022, there was a pretty big design change in the history of the iPad, with the unmarked iPad changing to a bezelless design and the terminal changing to USB Type-C. On the other hand, there were internal changes to the higher-end models, such as the iPad Air from the A14 Bionic to the M1 and the iPad Pro from the M1 to the M2. However, there is nothing particularly new other than that, and the difference between the Air and Pro has narrowed further, and the price is raised to add to the blow.

　In addition, users are dissatisfied with specifications that are difficult to understand, such as the MUJI iPad only supporting the first-generation Apple Pencil, which was released more than seven years ago, and the need for a cable to charge the Apple Pencil due to the change in the terminal. It is the current situation that there were many points left.

　Many sources are already predicting that we won't be able to expect any major changes to the iPad in 2023, and it's possible that at least "the iPad will be neglected until 2024."

　Similarly, Apple Watch will not change significantly in 2023. However, the Apple Watch Series 8/SE/Ultra announced in 2022 has different charm points for each model, and has received high praise throughout the series.

Conclusion

　PhoneArena concludes, "If you're a tech enthusiast, it's well worth your hopes for Apple in 2023, but for consumers, it may not be."

 Although Apple is expected to make big changes to its high-end expensive models this year, it may not be possible to feel "newness" across the board in products that are in high demand by general consumers.