In a new report by Reuters, Apple has purchased a startup that makes lenses for augmented reality glasses, further fueling speculation that the Cupertino tech giant is developing an augmented reality headset.

The small Colorado-based company called Akonia Holographics, advertises the "world's first commercially available volume holographic reflective and waveguide optics for transparent display elements in smart glasses," according to its website.

The company was founded in 2012 by a group scientists who focused on holographic data storage before developing displays for augmented reality glasses. The displays that it produces are said to use the company's HoloMirror technology for "ultra-clear, full-color performance" to enable the "thinnest, lightest head worn displays in the world."

Apple also confirmed the purchase to Reuters with a statement. "Apple buys smaller companies from time to time, and we generally don't discuss our purpose or plans." Additionally, it's no secret that Apple purchases smaller tech companies. In 2013, the tech giant acquired a small Israeli firm called PrimeSense that made three-dimensional sensors. The iPhone X which launched last year, utilizes a similar sensor system to power its facial recognition features.

While it's not clear when exactly Apple purchased Akonia Holographics, sources that spoke to Reuters suggested the company had become "very quiet" over the last six months, indicating the acquisition may have been made during the first half of 2018.

Furthermore, multiple rumors have suggested Apple has a research unit working on AR and VR, exploring the ways these emerging technologies could be used in future Apple products. Reports about Apple's plans on producing AR glasses began in 2016, followed by a recent article by Business Insider, suggesting that Apple will release its augmented reality glasses by 2020.

For the full story, head over to Reuters.

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