Apple Buys AR Display Startup Akonia Holographics

Apple has acquired Akonia Holographics, a six-year-old maker of displays for augmented-reality glasses, according to Bloomberg.

Apple, seeking a breakthrough product to succeed the iPhone, is said to be prepping to ship an AR headset or device as early as 2020. Akonia’s “HoloMirror“ technology is designed to project full-color images onto the transparent glass lenses of augmented-reality headsets, according to its website, a capability that will dovetail with the U.S. giant’s own efforts. Apple confirmed the deal, first reported by Reuters, via the typical statement it uses to verify acquisitions of smaller startups.

Augmented reality has been touted as having wider mass-market appeal than VR, and Apple CEO Tim Cook has talked up its prospects on several occasions. The U.S. giant will have to contend however with a number of rivals, including Amazon and Google, also exploring future applications for the nascent technology.