We are hearing more and more about Apple's augmented reality ambitions and its plans to launch an AR/VR headset, possibly called Apple Glasses. So far, the device seems to be quite a ways off, but that may not be the case.

According to a report in the China Times, Apple Glasses are expected to appear in the first quarter of 2022. In other words, you could be preparing to buy a pair for yourself in exactly one year. [This is according to Yang Weilun, an industry analyst at JPMorgan Chase, who claims that Apple is ready to sell VR and AR-powered headsets in the first quarter of 2022. Apparently, these headsets will have six lenses and a LiDAR scanner that will allow the user to more accurately locate the user and surrounding objects.

At this point, however, it is not clear what the six lenses are. It is possible that they are camera lenses, but that would contradict previous rumors that claimed Apple Glasses would not include a camera for privacy reasons. More likely is that the headset will have six LiDAR sensors, allowing for a complete 360-degree view of the surroundings.

Yang also stated that the manufacturing cost of this device is set at $500. This is consistent with what we have heard about Apple's VR headset.

Nevertheless, given how advanced Apple Glasses will be, the first few generations may have similarly high prices.

The report mentions multiple headsets, but everything said here sounds more like Apple's upcoming VR headset rather than the AR-centric Apple Glasses The mention of VR is particularly potent, as this headset is expected to have both AR and VR We've already heard rumors that this headset will have both AR and VR capabilities.

Similarly, past reports have suggested that Apple Glasses are not ready for mass production. Everything we have heard suggests that Apple Glasses are designed to be exactly what the name implies: glasses with AR capabilities.

Therefore, Jan's prediction that parts will begin shipping at the end of this year seems like an overly optimistic view. On the other hand, Apple's VR headset is said to be very close to completion, and it is very possible that production will begin at that time.

What we don't know is whether Apple will use the Apple Glass branding for both VR headsets and AR-focused wearables, or just the latter.