In a strategic move to make its Vision Pro headset more affordable, Apple is reportedly planning to use larger but lower-resolution displays. This change aims to reduce production costs while maintaining a competitive edge in the mixed-reality market.
Recent reports indicate that Apple is exploring the use of OLED-on-Silicon (OLEDoS) panels from manufacturers like LG and Samsung. These new panels are expected to measure between 2.0 and 2.1 inches with a pixel density of 1,700 pixels per inch (PPI). In contrast, the current Vision Pro model utilizes 1.42-inch panels with a significantly higher pixel density of 3,386 PPI. This shift would result in a noticeable reduction in image sharpness, but the new displays would still offer competitive resolution levels compared to other headsets in the market, such as Meta Quest 3 and Sony’s PSVR 2.
The move to larger, lower-resolution displays is part of a broader strategy to introduce a more budget-friendly version of the Vision Pro. This version is expected to sacrifice some high-end features, such as the “Mac grade chip” and EyeSight reverse passthrough, to achieve a lower price point. Additionally, there are speculations that the new headset might require tethering to a Mac or iPhone to further cut costs.
Apple’s decision to seek alternative suppliers for these panels underscores its commitment to making mixed-reality technology more accessible. By reducing the resolution and potentially offloading some processing tasks to other Apple devices, the company aims to offer a more affordable option without compromising too much on performance.
This approach highlights Apple’s adaptability in responding to market demands and its continuous effort to balance innovation with affordability. As the mixed-reality market evolves, Apple’s strategic adjustments could play a crucial role in expanding its user base and maintaining its leadership in the tech industry.
