Apple Glasses may have hit a stumbling block, with reports that the AR-equipped specs are behind the 2021 testing schedule.

This is according to DigiTimes, which reports that testing of prototype 2 (P2) of Apple Glasses has not yet begun. While this sounds like bad news, it does mean that a 2022 launch is less likely. And from other leaks and reports, this does not seem likely in the first place.

DigiTimes previously reported that Apple is about to enter the second phase of Apple Glasses development. The focus of this phase is to reduce weight and improve battery life, and some have suggested that mass production could begin as early as Q1 2022.

According to DigiTimes sources, the Apple Glasses prototype still needs to undergo P3 testing, followed by two to three more stages of engineering testing. Only then will the glasses be ready for mass production.

Going into mass production in early 2022 means that we are looking at a late 2022 launch at the earliest, as initially predicted by outlet supply chain sources. This is assuming the best-case scenario that the Apple Glasses pass the various stages of testing without problems.

But we are talking about brand new technology here; AR glasses and headsets do exist, but from what we have heard, Apple is trying to do something that no one else has attempted before. We're talking about stand-alone AR glasses that are designed to last and be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

It is unclear why P2 testing has been delayed, but we can probably expect to see more of this over the next few years. After all, Apple Glasses seems to be a big deal, and Apple would not benefit itself by rushing into production and releasing something that does not meet expectations.

But at least Apple VR and Mixed Reality headsets are in the offing; unlike Apple Glasses, this one is currently rumored to be available in mid-2022. This headset is not open glasses, but a sealed VR-style device, but is said to offer see-through augmented reality (AR) capabilities. As such, it will not bore people until the Apple Glasses are ready.

In a way, this is really important. Apple knows that devices live or die by their app support, which means that this mixed reality headset is designed to get developers (and to a lesser extent, users) ready for the launch of Apple Glasses. So while the headset is said to be priced out of reach for most people, its launch has a very specific purpose.

Tim Cook has already acknowledged that Apple has long-term ambitions for AR and will not risk releasing a below par product. Therefore, the next big thing from Apple may have to wait until it is good enough for the masses.