<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple is gearing up for the international launch of its mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro. The device is rumored to be introduced globally after the Worldwide Developers Conference next month.
      </p>
    </li>
    <li>
      <p>
        Apple is reportedly conducting a four-day training program for staff in countries such as China, Germany, and Japan to demo the Vision Pro headset to consumers.
      </p>
    </li>
    <li>
      <p>
        <b>Analyst QuickTake: </b>
        If true, the news indicates Apple&rsquo;s first wave of global rollouts for its Vision Pro headset, currently purchasable solely in the US. The company previously confirmed that it would be 
        <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27857">
          launching
        </a>
         the Vision Pro in China later in 2024, despite 
        <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/28705">
          rumors
        </a>
         of cuts in Vision Pro headset shipment forecasts.&nbsp;
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
  </p>
</div>


<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/13/24155552/apple-vision-pro-headset-rumors-global-launch">
      The Verge
    </a>
  </p>
</div>


Extended Reality

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 <p>Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has reported that Apple is preparing for the global launch of its mixed reality headset, called the Vision Pro. The device is expected to be revealed internationally following next month's Worldwide Developers Conference.</p>
 <p>Apple is said to be holding a four-day training session for staff in China, Germany, and Japan among others, with a goal to demonstrate the Vision Pro headset to the public.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> If true, the news indicates Apple’s first wave of global rollouts for its Vision Pro headset, currently purchasable solely in the US. The company previously confirmed that it would be <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/27857"> launching </a> the Vision Pro in China later in 2024, despite <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/28705"> rumors </a> of cuts in Vision Pro headset shipment forecasts.&nbsp;</p>

Apple reportedly prepares for international launch of Vision Pro headset

Foundation Models

<div>
 
 <p>Reports suggest that Apple is in discussions with OpenAI and Google for incorporating ChatGPT and Gemini Chatbot into iOS 18. This collaboration is aimed at enhancing Siri's abilities in terms of question resolution, precise analysis, and improved assistance in writing and coding. Further information about this collaboration will be disclosed at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June.</p>
 
</div>

Apple in talks with OpenAI and Google for advanced AI integration in iOS 18

<div>

<p>Apple has introduced OpenELM, an assortment of open-source mini language models designed for text-related functions like writing emails.</p>
<p>The OpenELM series comprises a 270 million parameter model, a 450 million parameter model, a 1.1 billion parameter model, and a 3 billion parameter model. Both pre-trained and instruction-tuned models are provided for each of these parameters, resulting in a total of eight model types.</p>
<p>According to Apple, these models are cost-effective and have been optimized to perform efficiently on devices such as smartphones and laptops.</p>

</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake</b> :<br>
 While this may indicate plans to incorporate GenAI models into its smartphones, the company is reportedly in talks with <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/27642"> Google </a> and <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/27873"> Baidu </a> to incorporate their models into the iPhone. Last month, Apple launched <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/27640"> MM1, a multimodal language learning mode </a> , and introduced <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/28174"> ReALM (Reference Resolution as Language Modeling), </a> a new AI system to improve voice assistants' interpretation and response to user commands this month.</p>

Apple releases series of small language models 'OpenELM' for on-device use

<div>
 <p>According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has reportedly reduced its shipment forecasts for the Vision Pro headset due to a decrease in demand. It is said that Apple anticipates selling around 400,000–450,000 units in 2024, as opposed to the earlier market consensus of 700,000–800,000 units. This development may prompt Apple to reassess its headset roadmap, potentially pushing back the release of a more affordable version of the Vision Pro headset till after 2025.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> The reported downward revision in headset shipments is likely due to the Vision Pro’s price tag of USD 3,500, compared to more budget-friendly alternatives such as the Quest 3 (USD 500). Additionally, the news follows Sony reportedly <a href="https:<br>
//www.roadtovr.com/report-sony-psvr-2-pauses-production-low-sales/"> pausing </a> production of its PSVR 2 headset as the company looks to clear out excess inventory.&nbsp;</p>

Apple reportedly cuts Vision Pro headset shipment forecasts amid softening demand

<div>
 <p>Niantic has introduced XR experience creation support on Apple Vision Pro via its 8th Wall "Metaversal Deployment" platform. The provision enables the development and distribution of mixed reality experiences through WebAR. This opens up possibilities for creating spatial computing applications compatible with numerous platforms. The platform was originally launched in 2021 catering to PCs and smartphones and upgraded in 2023 to support Quest 3.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> The update follows 8th Wall's introduction of GenAI tools for WebAR development in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/21404"> August 2023 </a> . These include integrations with DALL-E for text-to-image input, Blockade Labs for 360-degree images, Inworld AI for lifelike interactive characters, and more. The company also added hand tracking capabilities to its platform, back in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/20391"> July 2023 </a> .</p>

Niantic announces support from 8th Wall development platform for Apple Vision Pro

<div>
 
 <p>Apple introduces a new AI system called ReALM (Reference Resolution as Language Modeling) designed to enhance how voice assistants perceive and react to user instructions. The AI system utilizes large language models to interpret reference resolution, including the identification of visual elements displayed on a screen, into a language modeling problem.</p>
 <p>The company suggests that ReALM allows users to engage more efficiently with digital assistants regarding real-time on-screen data without the need for elaborate instructions. This innovation provides valuable assistance for drivers and users with disabilities.</p>

</div>

Apple develops ReALM, an AI system to enhance voice assistant understanding

<div>
 <p>Apple has introduced a "spatial Persona" feature for its Vision Pro headset in the VisionOS 1.1 update. This allows the use of digital avatars in applications beyond FaceTime calls. The updated Personas will be incorporated into FaceTime, and when combined with SharePlay, users can place another user's Persona in the room. The feature comes with an option for spatial audio.</p>
 <p>The innovative feature enhances the immersive environment for playing games and watching movies together. It is designed to support up to five users at the same time, fostering a collective and interactive experience.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> The news follows an update to improve the <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/27396"> fidelity </a> of its Persona avatars rolled out last month. While this marks a step toward improving immersion in collaborative settings, headsets are still a long way off from being able to produce photorealistic avatars, such as those showcased by Meta’s <a href="https:<br>
//interestingengineering.com/culture/codec-avatars-the-next-frontier-of-metas-vr-technology"> Codec Avatars </a> project.</p>

Apple updates Persona avatars in VisionOS 1.1 allowing for better physical presence

<div>
 <p>There are rumors about Tencent partnering with Apple to release its Vision Pro headset in China. As part of the partnership, key apps from Tencent could be accessible on Vision Pro, potentially including games, social media sites, and streaming services. This partnership could address the need for desired American content in China, considering Tencent's streaming service has around 450 million monthly users.</p>
</div>

Tencent and Apple rumored to partner for Vision Pro launch in China

<div>
 <p>Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, has confirmed that the Vision Pro headset will be released in the Chinese market. This announcement was made during his visit to the China Development Forum. The headset is already available in the US. Other countries including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the UK are expected to see its launch later this year.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> The decision to launch the headset in China is notable, given Meta’s previous difficulties in entering the region via its Quest headset series. Meta was rumored to initially partnered with Tencent in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/16515"> February 2023 </a> for this purpose, although the collaboration was suspended in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/25896"> January 202 </a> due to internal disagreements.</p>

Apple confirms Vision Pro's launch in China later in 2024

<div>
 
 <p>Apple is reportedly discussing a potential partnership with Baidu to utilize its GenAI technology for devices in China. This partnership could enhance Apple's AI capabilities and help it comply with China's strict regulations.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> In China, regulations require GenAI models to undergo evaluation under the country's cyberspace regulator before being publicly released. Over 40 GenAI models, including Baidu's Ernie Bot, have been approved since this rule was implemented in August. Notably, no models from foreign companies have received approval as of now, although it remains unclear if any have applied for it.</p>

All Updates

Apple reportedly prepares for international launch of Vision Pro headset

Apple in talks with OpenAI and Google for advanced AI integration in iOS 18

Apple releases series of small language models 'OpenELM' for on-device use

Apple reportedly cuts Vision Pro headset shipment forecasts amid softening demand

Niantic announces support from 8th Wall development platform for Apple Vision Pro

Apple develops ReALM, an AI system to enhance voice assistant understanding

Apple updates Persona avatars in VisionOS 1.1 allowing for better physical presence

Tencent and Apple rumored to partner for Vision Pro launch in China

Apple confirms Vision Pro's launch in China later in 2024

Apple reportedly in preliminary talks with Baidu for using AI technology in China

Extended Reality

Apple reportedly prepares for international launch of Vision Pro headset

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