Apple’s Acquisition of AR Startup Mira Sets the Stage for the ‘Spatial’ Reality Era: Explained

Apple has acquired Mira, a startup that focuses on augmented actuality (AR) headsets. Mira produces headsets not just for the US army but in addition for different firms. Notably, this acquisition reveal comes simply days after Apple unveiled its $3,499 Vision Pro headset, marking the corporate’s entry into the AR-mixed actuality market.

Speaking to The Verge, Apple mentioned, “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.” Therefore, it’s at present unclear what Apple intends to attain via this acquisition. Is it a transfer to eradicate competitors, or is it an effort to strengthen its place within the mixed-reality subject? Only time will inform. But, one factor is for sure—Apple is seeking to double down on its ‘spatial computing’ ambitions.

What Does Mira Do?

The firm is predicated in Los Angeles and was initially based in 2016 by Taft. It has reportedly been manufacturing AR headsets for outstanding clients, together with Universal Studios for points of interest at its Nintendo World theme parks.

Moreover, as famous by The Verge, Mira additionally has a number of army contracts, which embrace “a small agreement with the US Air Force and a $702,351 agreement with the Navy, according to government records and press releases.” Furthermore, the Air Force contract is meant for army pilots stationed at Travis Air Force Base, the place they will use Mira’s Prism Pro headset to view “heads-up display instructions.”

What’s much more fascinating is the truth that Jony Ive—Apple’s former product designer—was an advisor to the startup, Mira.

How Can It Affect Apple’s ‘Spatial’ Computing Ambitions?

For these unaware, a few days in the past at WWDC 2023, Apple launched its extremely anticipated Vision Pro headset, which is the corporate’s first new product line in years, following the launch of the Apple Watch in 2015. The iPhone maker claims that it’s a ‘spatial computer’ designed to seamlessly merge the digital and bodily worlds whereas retaining customers conscious of their environment.

It is probably going that Apple goals to make ‘spatial computing’ the subsequent huge factor after the iPhone, and to attain that, it wants to make sure that opponents, together with Meta, are stored at bay. According to studies, Apple’s Vision Pro stands out from different VR/AR headsets and might be years forward of the competitors. To preserve this edge, the iPhone maker might have determined to strengthen its expertise pool by bringing on board the groups from Mira, who’ve expertise working with the US Defense.