Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) recently acquired startup Vrvana, which specializes in AR (augmented reality) headsets. This has led to speculation about how far Apple is looking to get into the AR market.
Before this acquisition was announced, rumors were flying that Apple was working on the development of its own AR headset, with an estimated launch date of 2019 and sales to start the following year. Could acquire Vrvana mean that Apple needs help with the development? Or perhaps Apple’s trying to take out as much of the competition as it can before releasing its own product.
The true reason behind the acquisition of Vrvana remains in a shroud of mystery, but it does confirm that Apple is interested in the AR market. Apple executives have stated that AR has bright prospects and that the company is interested in becoming a part of the AR economy.
This is further confirmed by Apple’s Tim Cook comparing AR to the smartphone. The majority of Apple’s revenue comes from the sales of iPhones. If Apple sees AR as being similar to smartphones, then this suggests they’re banking it will be just as lucrative.
Worldwide AR sales, including hardware and software sales, could be worth $100.2 billion by 2024, according to Grand View Research. If this turns out to be true, then Apple certainly stands to make a fortune off any AR endeavors it might be venturing into, and the acquisition of Vrvana could be its first official step.
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