Apple may host January event for its mixed reality headset as analysts digest WWDC
barbaraaaa/iStock Editorial via Getty Images

Though Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) did not specifically mention its mixed reality headset yesterday at the keynote of its Worldwide Developers Conference, a prominent analyst believes the tech giant is likely to hold a special event next January to announce the oft-speculated device.
TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo tweeted on Tuesday that the headset would go into testing in the third-quarter of this year, followed by a media event in January.
From there, a developer toolkit would be sent out to developers between two and four weeks after the event, with a pre-order date sometime in the second quarter.
Kuo added that it's likely the headset starts shipping in the second-quarter -- compared to expectations of a shipment date in the first-quarter -- due to the China Covid-related lockdowns interrupting development. 
As the final piece of the timeline puzzle, Kuo noted that the Apple (AAPL) mixed reality headset is likely to hit shelves before next year's developer conference, which generally takes place in June. 
Apple shares fell slightly less than 0.5% to $145.55 in premarket trading on Tuesday. 
Kuo's comments about a timeline come after the analyst said last week that Apple (AAPL) would not announce the headset at WWDC, despite intense speculation amongst the tech community that it would do so.
Instead, Apple (AAPL) announced a slew of new software updates, including a new lock screen for iOS 16 and the ability to edit Messages.
Other updates that were announced included Apple Pay expanding into the Buy Now, Pay Later market with Apple Pay Later, more pro features for iPadOS and FaceTime Continuity, among many others.
Despite it being a jam-packed event nearly two hours in length, some updates did not make the keynote, including the fact that iOS 16 will support Nintendo's (OTCPK:NTDOY) Switch Pro and Joy-Con controllers. 
In addition to software updates, Apple (AAPL) announced two new MacBook laptops, a redesigned MacBook Air and a MacBook Pro that will support the newly announced M2 chip. 
Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives tweeted that the new M2 chip was part of the "biggest takeaway" from the keynote, as it signifies that "Apple is beating Intel (INTC) and the semi world at its own game."
Several analysts told Seeking Alpha that Apple's (AAPL) new MacBooks were on their way to becoming a hit, with one analyst pointing out they will become "two of the most-powerful laptops on the market."