The two 4K micro-OLED panels found in the Apple Vision Pro are estimated to cost $228, totaling $456, making it one of the most expensive components to be found in a consumer device and undoubtedly one of the biggest reasons for that ludicrous $3,499 price tag. The Cupertino behemoth likely intends to lower these costs with the affordable version that is slated to arrive sometime in 2025. Apple is reportedly sampling displays from another supplier, but these will not be micro-OLED technology and will feature a pixel density that is less than half the value that the current mixed-reality headset’s panels resonate.
Low-cost Apple Vision Pro is said to feature OLED panels from Japan Display, with its pixel density said to be 1,500PPI
A new report from DigiTimes states that Apple has received OLED samples for the upcoming affordable headset from Japan Display (JDI), with its pixel density said to be around 1,500PPI. In comparison, the Apple Vision Pro has a PPI of a whopping 3,386, so there is quite a hefty difference here, which would result in a ‘day and night’ difference in image quality. Unfortunately, this step is necessary for the affordable model to be marketed at a price that will not blow a hole through the customer’s wallet and allow for a better product reception.
In terms of the technology used, JDI is said to employ glass core substrate OLED, or GCS, which is different from the OLED-on-Silicon, or OLEDoS, used for the Apple Vision Pro. This shift should reduce the display cost, giving the company enough freedom to stamp a more acceptable price tag. The low-cost model was previously reported to have been in the works for many years, and at that time, it was mentioned that Apple was struggling to bring down the price while retaining critical features.
Even if the low-cost Apple Vision Pro were to be toned down aggressively regarding hardware and features, with one example being transitioning to an iPhone chipset instead of a Mac, an early estimate reveals that the head-mounted wearable would still be as expensive as a premium iPhone. Customers who only have the financial capacity to invest in one device will certainly point their fingers to the iPhone, as it delivers a substantially higher utility than an AR headset. It is likely that the market will take a few years to accept this new category, but by then, Apple will have already provided a robust app library to augment the user experience.
News Source: DigiTimes
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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