Apple has made an acquisition in the augmented reality (AR) space by purchasing Mira, a Los Angeles-based startup that specialises in creating AR headsets for various companies and the US military, as per a report by The Verge on Tuesday. The news was initially revealed through a post on the private Instagram account of Mira's CEO, and a person familiar with the matter corroborated the information.
This acquisition comes just a day after Apple introduced its own ambitious AR headset called the Vision Pro. By entering the AR headset market, Apple is taking a significant risk, as it will be directly competing with Meta Platforms, which currently dominates the market. This move puts Apple in a position to challenge Meta after years of conflict between the two companies over matters such as user privacy and control of developer platforms.
Mira has secured contracts with the US Air Force and Navy, as indicated by government records and press releases. These contracts include a smaller agreement with the Air Force and a more substantial $702,351 agreement with the Navy, as reported by The Verge.
Apple has reportedly acknowledged that it occasionally acquires smaller technology companies. However, the company typically does not disclose specific details regarding its intentions or plans for these acquisitions. As part of the deal, Apple has brought on board at least 11 employees from Mira, according to The Verge's report.
During the WWDC 2023 event on Monday, Apple made a significant announcement regarding its highly anticipated VR/AR headset called Apple Vision Pro. This cutting-edge headset boasts two 4K displays and is designed to cater to various work-related applications. What sets it apart from other VR headsets is its unique approach to user interaction. Unlike traditional controllers, the Apple Vision Pro utilizes the wearer's eyes, voice, and hands for seamless navigation within the interface.
Priced at $3,499, the Apple Vision Pro is set to launch in early 2024, initially targeting the US market before expanding to other countries. The Cupertino-based tech giant's entry into the VR/AR arena has been long-awaited, with rumours and reports dating back to 2018. Apple has already demonstrated its commitment to augmented reality with the introduction of AR tools for iPhones and iPads as early as 2017. With this move, Apple now joins the competition against Meta, the social networking giant, and its range of VR headsets.