Apple Explores Larger, Lower-Resolution Displays for Affordable Vision Headset

Apple is seeking out different suppliers for OLED-on-Silicon (OLEDoS) panels - this being the screen technology that it needs so much in order to even allow the Vision Pro headset…

By Hardik Dhamija

July 4, 2024

3 min read

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Apple is seeking out different suppliers for OLED-on-Silicon (OLEDoS) panels – this being the screen technology that it needs so much in order to even allow the Vision Pro headset into existence.

Apple to Explore Affordable Vision Headset

The Korean publication notes that the tech giant has amended its supply chain strategy around OLEDoS panels. These high-resolution microdisplays, Sony is the maker of them right now for Vision Pro. Apple, though, is eyeing alternate suppliers as Sony can only produce 900K panels per year at maximum and it has no plans to increase this capacity.

The tech giant has reportedly sent an RFI (request for information) to Samsung Display and LG Display to judge whether they are capable of manufacturing larger OLEDoS panels that measure between 2.0- and 2.1-inch in size, with a display density around the range of approximately 1,700 pixels per inch (PPI).

The panels would be larger than those used in the Vision Pro but would fare lower resolutions by comparison. Today, the Vision Pro uses Sony’s 1.42-inch OLEDoS panels that support white OLED display with color filter (wOLED+CF) technology at nearly 3,400 PPI. The high price tag of the headset is due in no small part to this advanced display tech.

Samsung and LG were able to impress Apple with their OLED microdisplay improvements at Displayweek 2024. Samsung also unveiled a 1.03-inch RGB OLED microdisplay, co-developed with eMagin, this display type features higher brightness versus regular wOLED+CF displays (discussed above). In contrast, LG demonstrated 10K nit-light with the help of a microlens array (MLA) technology in tandem with one more Micro OLED display incentive which is supposed to lift brightness up about 40%.

Apple’s interest in larger, lower-resolution OLEDoS panels suggests these could be intended for a new, more affordable mixed-reality headset. Rumors have long suggested Apple’s development of such a device, which may connect to an iPhone or Mac to reduce costs associated with an integrated processor. This lower-cost Vision headset is speculated to potentially launch by the end of next year.

FAQs

Why is Apple considering larger, lower-resolution displays for its Vision headset?

Apple’s exploration of larger OLED-on-Silicon panels with lower resolutions is aimed at potentially reducing the manufacturing costs of its Vision headset. This approach could make the headset more affordable while maintaining essential display quality.

When might Apple’s lower-cost Vision headset be available?

While specific launch dates have not been confirmed, rumors suggest that Apple’s more affordable Vision headset could potentially be released by the end of next year, pending development and supply chain considerations