Tech giant Apple has reportedly acquired Mira, a startup specializing in augmented reality (AR) headsets, in a deal of undisclosed value, as reported by The Verge.
Founded by entrepreneur Ben Taft in 2016 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Mira has gained recognition for its AR headsets, which have been utilized by clients such as Universal Studios for attractions in its Nintendo World theme parks. Prior to the acquisition, investors including Blue Bear Capital, Happiness Ventures, and Sequoia had injected $17 million into Mira, demonstrating their confidence in the company’s heads-up displays and software that enable the creation of AR apps, games, and immersive experiences.
Initially positioning its hardware as a lightweight entry point into the world of AR, with a focus on consumer applications, Mira later shifted its focus towards industrial deployments, which were perceived as a more lucrative market.
Notably, Mira had secured military contracts, including agreements with the U.S. Air Force and Navy. It remains to be seen whether these contracts will continue under Apple’s ownership, as inquiries have been made to clarify the matter.
This acquisition news closely follows Apple’s unveiling of the Vision Pro headset, the company’s highly anticipated foray into AR. The extent to which Mira’s technology and expertise will shape Apple’s AR roadmap remains unclear. However, The Verge highlights that Jony Ive, Apple’s former long-time product designer, had served as an advisor to Mira at one point, suggesting a potential alignment in their vision for AR development.
As Apple continues to invest in AR technology, the acquisition of Mira is poised to contribute valuable insights and capabilities, strengthening Apple’s position in the competitive realm of augmented reality.
