Apple onboards augmented reality tech used by US Air Force and Navy
Mira had already accumulated $17 million in funding from Blue Bear Capital, Happiness Ventures, and Sequoia
Apple has recently acquired Mira, an AR startup based in Los Angeles that specialises in producing headsets for various companies and the US military. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
Mira was established in 2016 by Ben Taft and has since been supplying its products to clients like Universal Studios for use in attractions at Nintendo World theme parks. Before the acquisition, Mira received substantial investments from notable companies such as Blue Bear Capital, Happiness Ventures, and Sequoia, accumulating a total funding of $17 million. These investors showed confidence in Mira’s displays, software, and their ability to develop AR applications, games, and immersive experiences.
Initially, Mira positioned its hardware as a lightweight and accessible option for consumers interested in augmented reality (AR) applications. However, the company later shifted its focus towards industrial deployments, which are considered to be a more lucrative market segment. Notably, Mira secured several military contracts in the past, including agreements with the US Air Force and Navy. The implications of the acquisition on these contracts are yet to be determined.
This acquisition announcement comes shortly after Apple unveiled its highly anticipated Vision Pro headset, marking the company’s entry into the realm of AR. While the exact contribution of Mira to Apple’s AR strategy remains uncertain, it is worth noting that Jony Ive, the renowned former product designer at Apple, had previously served as an advisor to Mira.
