The possibility of Apple developing a more affordable Mixed Reality (MR) device is growing. It is rumored to feature an OLED display with a pixel density of 1,500 PPI to reduce manufacturing costs. South Korean media predicts that companies like Japan's JDI and Samsung Display (SDC) will participate in the OLED display development for Apple's affordable MR device.
While Apple launched its first MR headset, Vision Pro, in the first half of 2024 with a display panel boasting a 3,391 PPI pixel density, lowering the pixel density for a new product could significantly reduce production costs. According to a report by TheElec, industry sources indicate that JDI recently provided Apple with a 1,500 PPI OLED sample for an MR device, incorporating technology from Sony.
In the first half of 2024, Apple sent a Request for Information (RFI) to SDC and other companies, reportedly requesting OLED-on-Silicon (OLEDoS) displays with a pixel density of around 1,700 PPI. In contrast, the OLED sample recently provided by JDI has a lower pixel density.
Moreover, the sample from JDI is based on glass core substrate (GCS) OLED technology, rather than the OLEDoS technology that Apple originally requested.
It is interpreted that although the Vision Pro uses OLEDoS displays with better image quality, its hefty price tag of US$3,500, along with limited content resources, has led to sales falling short of expectations. The earlier RFI to SDC and other companies are also rumored to be linked to Vision Pro's underwhelming performance.
Reports suggest that after receiving the OLED sample from JDI, Apple is considering developing a budget MR device based on GCS OLED. South Korean media outlets expect other display manufacturers to follow suit in providing samples to Apple in hopes of securing orders.
It is speculated that SDC is likely to develop GCS-based OLED displays with a pixel density of around 1,500 PPI on its A2 production line. SDC has also reportedly been discussing glass substrate OLED development for MR devices with several partners.
Competition among companies from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan to secure Apple's orders is expected to intensify. SDC and LG Display (LGD) hold advantages in OLED deposition technology, while Taiwanese companies are seen as leaders in thin-film transistor (TFT) technology. However, it may take another two to three years before Apple's affordable MR device enters mass production, making it difficult to predict which company will ultimately gain the upper hand.
