MediaTek is making further strides in AI applications, focusing on the integration of smartphones and AR/MR devices. According to a report from the Economic Daily News, they look to capitalize on the significant business opportunities presented by 3D imaging combined with generative AI for immersive experiences. The sources cited in the same report indicated that MediaTek has formed an alliance with Meta, leveraging MediaTek’s Dimensity series smartphone chips as a platform alongside Meta’s Quest devices to target this market.

Previously, tech giants like Apple and Qualcomm have also recognized the potential of 3D imaging combined with generative AI for immersive experiences, and thus have been actively developing their strategies. While Apple builds its ecosystem through iPhones and Vision Pro headsets, Qualcomm has strengthened its collaboration with Google. With Meta and MediaTek entering the fray, the competition in the 3D imaging market will be further intensified.

Industry sources cited by the same report indicated that the generative AI business opportunity is set to explode, as cloud service providers (CSPs) are actively building AI servers, engaging in a “computing power war.” This hints that future AI market demand is likely to extend from the cloud to edge devices, thereby expanding AI applications to smartphones and AR/MR-related end-user devices.

Apple, which just showcased its upcoming products at WWDC, has launched the MR device Vision Pro previously, and is reportedly looking to expand its AI technology layout further. This includes integrating AI capabilities into iOS 18 in the iPhone 16 series, which will be released in September.

Meanwhile, per the same report, it’s expected that the iPhone 16 series will significantly enhance 3D photography features and improve integration with the Vision Pro. This indicates that 3D imaging will become a new application frontier in Apple’s AI strategy.

Non-Apple camps are also sensing these trends and opportunities. Qualcomm is reportedly teaming up with Google to integrate related systems in smartphones and wearable devices.

It is reported that Google has already strengthened its hardware development team in Taiwan. By doing so, the tech giant is possibly aiming to collaborate directly with major semiconductor companies like TSMC to develop 3D imaging applications. To bolster its future AI strategy, Qualcomm will collaborate with Google to integrate 3D imaging platforms into smartphones.

Industry sources cited by the report suggested that beyond language models, imaging is one of the AI applications that provide tangible experiences for users. Currently, AI applications in imaging are mostly focused on photo editing and cartoonization. However, with the improvement of camera functionalities in mobile devices, AI will begin to be integrated into 3D imaging.

As a result, major mobile platform providers will not only emphasize AI processing chips in their future hardware specifications but also upgrade imaging hardware specifications. This is expected to become a new battleground, potentially sparking a new wave of AI-driven smartphone upgrades.

Read more

• [News] Four Semiconductor Applicants for Taiwan’s Chip Act Tax Incentives – TSMC and MediaTek Expected to Benefit
• [News] MediaTek Announces 4nm Dimensity 7300 Series Chips, Supporting Foldable Devices

(Photo credit: MediaTek)

Despite the ongoing intensity of the US-China tech war, Apple has been gradually leaning towards a more diversified supply chain, especially in the production of its latest head-worn device, Vision Pro. As per a report from Commercial Times, upon examination, it is revealed that the major supplier in chip manufacturing for this device is Texas Instruments (TI).

However, other components, such as the NOR Flash memory, originate from Chinese manufacturer GigaDevice, with the assembling being shifted from Taiwan-based facilities, previously relied upon, to Luxshare Precision.

On February 7th, following an in-depth teardown of internal components by the repair website iFixit, it was discovered that within the Vision Pro main unit, speakers, and external power supply, there are not only Apple’s self-developed processor chips but also multiple Apple-designed power management chips. It’s noteworthy that TI serves as the primary chip supplier in the Vision Pro.

Yet, surprisingly, there are NOR Flash from the Chinese memory manufacturer GigaDevice. As the US-China tech war continues to escalate, Apple’s use of memory from a Chinese manufacturer raises concerns in the market about whether it may cross the red line set by the US government.

In fact, in recent years, Apple’s products such as the iPhone, MacBook, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods have leaned towards Chinese suppliers like Luxshare, Wingtech, BYD, and GoerTek in the assembling sector, while Taiwanese suppliers like Foxconn, Quanta, Pegatron, and Compal, which Apple used to heavily rely on, are gradually fading out of the supply chain.

The assembly for Vision Pro has also shifted from Pegatron to Luxshare. While Taiwanese suppliers are gradually reducing their reliance on Apple, they are simultaneously diversifying into emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and smart healthcare.

On the other hand, despite the strong sales of Vision Pro since its launch in the United States in mid-January, reports surfaced of a wave of returns within just two weeks. The most cited reasons by consumers include discomfort when wearing, eye fatigue, and unsatisfactory software experiences, prompting buyers to opt for returns within the 14-day return window.

Some early adopters also expressed that the current productivity and entertainment experiences offered by Vision Pro do not justify its high price point. Additionally, they find its interactive features insufficiently convenient for tasks such as programming, design, and presentation editing.

TrendForce has previously reported that one of the main issues impacting the Vision Pro is its hefty price tag. The $3499 price point, although seemingly steep, is expected to resonate with the market, especially given the promise of ample applications, a quality user experience, and Apple’s established brand loyalty.

Additionally, should Apple introduce a more budget-friendly version as speculated, the premium pricing of the Vision Pro could serve to accentuate the value proposition of the more economical model, potentially driving consumer interest towards it.

Read more

• 2024 Apple Vision Pro Shipments Estimated Between 500–600 Thousand Units, Micro OLED Key to Cost and Volume, Says TrendForce
• [News] Market Rumors Suggest Apple Vision Pro Stock Limited to 60-80K Units, Expected to Quickly Sell Out Post-Launch

(Photo credit: Apple)

In June 2023, Apple introduced its inaugural spatial computing device, the Apple Vision Pro, entering the mixed reality (MR) landscape. On January 8th, 2024, Apple revealed on its official website that the Vision Pro would be available for pre-orders in the United States starting January 19th, with an official release date of February 2nd.

According to Apple’s official news release, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has indicated as follows: “The era of spatial computing has arrived. Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created. Its revolutionary and magical user interface will redefine how we connect, create, and explore.”

In June 2023, at the WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference), Apple unveiled its head-worn device, the Vision Pro, priced at USD 3,499. This cost is over three times the price of Meta’s high-end virtual reality (VR) model, the Quest Pro, at that time.

To bolster the ecosystem behind Vision Pro in the realm of mixed reality, Apple has made comprehensive preparations. In June of last year, the company announced the launch of new software tools and technologies, enabling developers to craft app experiences tailored for Vision Pro. Additionally, Apple established developer labs in California, London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo.

Considering factors such as pricing and the absence of certain essential features, TrendForce has previously anticipated a modest shipment volume of approximately 200,000 – 400,000 units for Apple Vision Pro in 2024.

The market’s response will heavily depend on the subsequent introduction of consumer-oriented Apple Vision models and the ability of Apple to offer enticing everyday AR functionalities that will drive the rapid growth of the AR market as a whole.

TrendForce also noted that the Apple Vision Pro boasts cutting-edge hardware specifications and innovative design. However, a substantial price tag of USD 3,499 and the requirement for an external power source to operate for a mere two hours pose challenges to consumer adoption.

Currently, the Apple Vision Pro lacks sufficient applications for mainstream users, making it more attractive to developers and enterprise customers who can capitalize on its innovative features to create diverse applications. Consequently, the higher price point of the product is justified.

Read more

• [News] Apple Reportedly Accelerates Production of MR Headset “Vision Pro” for Potential February Launch
• [News] Apple Could Introduce Micro LED into Vision Pro, Replacing Existing Micro OLED Technology

(Photo credit: Apple)

During last year’s WWDC conference, Apple unveiled its first-ever head-mounted display product, the Vision Pro. At that time, the official statement mentioned a scheduled market release in early 2024, prompting speculation about the precise launch date of Vision Pro.

According to Chinese media outlet “Wall Street” citing information from supply chain sources, Vision Pro is expected to be launched in the United States on January 27. However, some media outlets have suggested that the mentioned “January 27” is likely in China time, translating to January 26 in U.S. time, as Apple rarely introduces new products on Saturdays.

However, Bloomberg Chief Correspondent Mark Gurman pointed out that Apple has experience launching new products on Saturdays, citing the initial iPad release. Gurman acknowledged that January 26 is indeed a date heard recently from several Chinese supply chain sources.

Regardless of the official release date for Vision Pro, current rumors align with the earlier predictions of TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who anticipated Vision Pro to hit shelves at the end of January or early February.

Additionally, Gurman reiterated on his own X platform that Apple plans to launch the retail version of Vision Pro in February.

(Image: Apple)

At the WWDC 23 in June this year, Apple introduced its first headset, Vision Pro. The device is set to be available for purchase as early as next year, with a price tag of USD 3,499.

According to the report citing sources by Mark Gurman, Apple has accelerated the production of the MR headset “Vision Pro” in China in recent weeks, suggesting preparations for a potential launch in February next year.

Reportedly, insiders have revealed that in the past few weeks, Apple has been in full production mode for the Vision Pro in China. The goal is to have the customer-facing business department ready by the end of January, allowing the product to debut in Apple’s retail stores in February.

Additionally, Apple has been rumored to have sent an email to software developers lately, encouraging them to use the latest tools to test their applications and submit software for feedback, indicating preparations for the Vision Pro’s imminent release.

The report highlights that the Vision Pro is Apple’s most intricate product to date. Due to its customized components, it requires assembly and packaging at the sales point, necessitating a sales strategy and equipment different from those used in the past.

As per a report by the Financial Times in May of this year, Apple initially aimed for annual sales of 3 million units for the Vision Pro, but later reduced the target to 1 million units. In July, there were further reports that due to the complex design of the Vision Pro and issues with the display yield, Apple lowered the target shipment volume from 1 million units to 400,000 units.

Considering factors such as pricing and the absence of certain essential features, TrendForce has previously anticipated a modest shipment volume of approximately 200,000 to 400,000 units for Apple Vision Pro in 2024.

The market’s response will heavily depend on the subsequent introduction of consumer-oriented Apple Vision models and the ability of Apple to offer enticing everyday functionalities that will drive the rapid growth of the AR market as a whole.

TrendForce also notes that the Apple Vision Pro boasts cutting-edge hardware specifications and innovative design. However, a substantial price tag of USD 3,499 and the requirement for an external power source to operate for a mere two hours pose challenges to consumer adoption.

Currently, the Apple Vision Pro lacks sufficient applications for mainstream users, making it more attractive to developers and enterprise customers who can capitalize on its innovative features to create diverse applications. Consequently, the higher price point of the product is justified.

Read more

• Apple Vision Pro Estimated to Ship 200,000 Units in 2024, Concerns around Price and Battery Life Linger, Says TrendForce
• [News] Apple Could Introduce Micro LED into Vision Pro, Replacing Existing Micro OLED Technology

(Photo credit: Apple)