Apple has acquired an augmented reality (AR) wearable startup that was founded in 2016 with major customers as partners.
According to The Verge, Apple has acquired augmented reality wearable startup Mira for an undisclosed amount. Mira was founded in 2016 by businessman Ben Taft, based in Los Angeles (USA).
This startup specializes in making AR headsets for major customers, including Universal Studios for attractions at the Nintendo World theme park. Investment funds like Blue Bear Capital, Happiness Ventures, and Sequoia have poured $17 million into the company, placing high expectations on software and live displays to create apps, games, and AR experiences
Mira initially showcased their hardware as a light introduction to the AR world, with an emphasis on user-facing apps. But then the company turned to industrial deployment when it realized this was a more profitable market.
The Verge reports that Mira has secured a number of military contracts, including deals with the US Air Force and Navy. It is not yet clear if those contracts are owned by Apple.
The news of this acquisition comes after the launch of Apple’s Vision Pro headset within the framework of the WWDC 2023 event. Apple’s new space computer has been a rumored product for quite a long time and is also the first time for the company. officially entered the field of AR. It’s still unclear to what extent Mira plays a role in the company’s AR roadmap, it’s also worth noting that Jony Ive, Apple’s design legend has been a consultant for Mira