As Apple prepares to potentially introduce its (mostly) secretive AR headset for possible introduction later this year and launch next year, the company has made a strategic investment to ensure its supply chain can support it. On Wednesday, Apple announced an award of $410 million from its Advanced Manufacturing fund to II-VI, an optics manufacturer that supplies the company with iPhone and iPad components that enable advanced AR experiences. Don’t Miss: Concept Video Hints That First Mainstream AR Smartglasses Could Feature Glass from Apple-Backed Corning “The expansion of the company’s… more