Apple is reportedly in the early stages of developing a more affordable version of its Vision Pro mixed reality headset, which debuted in the U.S. in April for a whopping $3,499. $295,000). The Vision Pro is yet to make its way to markets like India, but reports suggest the tech giant is keen to broaden its appeal by creating a low-cost alternative that could be launched within a few years.
According to The Elec, Apple aims to cut costs by switching to cheaper display technology while maintaining high pixel density. The first-generation Vision Pro uses an OLED on silicon (OLEDoS) display with a density of up to 3,391 pixels per inch (ppi). However, Apple is said to be considering equipping its upcoming headphones with a display with a pixel density reduced to around 1,500ppi. While that’s just over half the current specs of the Vision Pro, it’s still significantly taller than a standard smartphone display, ensuring the visual experience remains crisp.
To achieve this, Apple may replace its OLEDoS panels with white OLEDs using Samsung’s color filter (W-OLED+CF) technology. This alternative display system uses color filters to convert white OLED output into rich colors, allowing Apple to maintain vibrant visuals at a lower cost. Apple’s affordable headphones could use glass backs instead of the silicon ones on the Vision Pro, which are more cost-effective but slightly thicker.
Apple reportedly aims to integrate the color filters into a thin-film package on a single piece of glass to avoid adding extra thickness to the display. Samsung is expected to be the main supplier of these high-density W-OLED+CF panels, whose specifications can be tailored to Apple’s unique requirements.
While Apple enthusiasts may be eager to see this more affordable mixed reality headset, recent predictions from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggest it may not be released before 2027. Meaning fans may have to wait a few years for further updates.
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Published: November 7, 2024, 8:55 pm (IST)
