The Apple Vision Pro currently only has Sony as its micro-OLED supplier, which would explain why the device’s two 4K panels cost a whopping $456 from the $1,542 ‘Bill of Materials’ total. The obvious route to take would be to add more display makers, which Apple is said to be evaluating, but if you were contemplating why Samsung has yet to enter this list, the latest report provides some answers and states that the Korean manufacturer’s executive has talked more about the commercialization of this display technology, but after a few years.
Samsung executive predicts that it will take three to four years for micro-OLED to be commercialized, especially with the higher adoption of AR and VR applications
Choi Joo-sun, CEO of Samsung Display, spoke with reporters after lecturing at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon on March 6. According to Chosun, the executive said that commercialization of micro-OLED technology would take a few years, which would be one reason why Samsung was not the Apple Vision Pro’s chief supplier. Even though Choi believes that the potential of micro-OLED is massive, commercialization is not expected until 2027 or 2028.
“The market potential of micro OLED, which is used in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), is significant, but I believe the market will begin in earnest around 2027-2028. Micro light emitting diode (micro light emitting diode) “Although it will be commercialized earlier than LED, there are many technical aspects to overcome and cost considerations.”
For Samsung, even if it secured a lucrative client like Apple, the objective for the display manufacturer is just the same as any other supplier; profits over everything else. The company would have to invest millions in dedicated factories and establish production lines while also going over the quality control department to ensure that its customer receives each micro-OLED unit in pristine condition.
Unfortunately, at this stage, Samsung may not be willing to put in the required effort, especially when it has been Apple’s primary OLED supplier for the iPhone for many years now. CEO Choi has said that it will invest heavily in R&D, plus manpower, to ensure that Samsung becomes the dominant player in this market, but as of right now, future Apple Vision Pro models will have to seek suppliers from elsewhere.
“During the remaining 2 to 3 years, we will deploy manpower to ensure that Samsung Display does not fall behind in the micro OLED market and introduce solutions that are competitive compared to competitors.”
Apple is said to be in talks with Chinese companies SeeYa and BOE, as adding them to its mixed-reality headset supply chain could go a long way in reducing future product prices. An earlier report stated that the company is accelerating R&D for its low-cost headset, and adding more display makers could reduce this component’s price by 50 percent.
News Source: Chosun
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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