Apple acquires Akonia Holographics start-up

Apple has acquired Akonia Holographics company. Akonia is working on lenses for use in augmented reality glasses. The start-up claims that its HoloMirror technology enables cheap and light headsets, with a wide viewing angle.

Apple has confirmed the acquisition to Reuters, but has not provided further details. The amount paid was also not disclosed. Akonia Holograhics has not yet said anything about the acquisition. Akonia’s website shows that the company first worked on holographic storage, but later shifted its plans to making lenses for augmented reality glasses.

Akonia Holographics claims to own more than two hundred patents and equipment to make holographic systems and materials. The company talks about its HoloMirror technique on its website, but gives little explanation about it. They would be screen elements with properties that exceed current techniques.

There have been rumors for years that Apple is working on glasses for augmented reality. At the end of 2016, those plans would have been in an exploratory phase. Apple would like to release an AR headset with its own operating system in 2020. Apple has acquired several start-ups in the field of augmented reality in recent years.