Apple’s Vision Pro made waves earlier this year, debuting as the company’s first mixed reality headset. However, with a premium price tag of $3,499 (around Rs. 2.95 lakh), it remains out of reach for many potential users. Recent reports, though, suggest that Apple may be gearing up to release a more accessible version of the headset, and it appears that Samsung’s display technology could play a pivotal role in making it happen.
As per a report in The ElecApple is exploring options to incorporate a more budget-friendly display technology into its next generation of mixed reality headsets. The goal: to create a high-quality experience without the prohibitive price tag. Sources suggest Apple is considering switching from the OLED on Silicon (OLEDoS) panel used in the current Vision Pro to a less expensive White OLED with Colour Filter (W-OLED+CF). This display technology, while more affordable, can still deliver a stunning pixel density of 1,500 ppi—just over half of the Vision Pro’s impressive 3,391 ppi but far above most smartphone screens available today.
One of the main distinctions between these technologies lies in the construction of the display panel. While the Vision Pro’s high-end OLEDoS panel uses a silicon plate, the proposed W-OLED+CF panel relies on a glass plate. This change could offer Apple an efficient route to reduce costs without compromising too much on quality.
In a move to keep the display as thin as possible, Apple is reportedly working to integrate the colour filter on the thin-film encapsulation of a single glass sheeteliminating the need for an additional sheet of glass. Such design choices could help Apple maintain a sleek, modern look, even in a more affordable model.
For this ambitious project, Apple may once again turn to Samsung as a trusted display supplier. Known for its prowess in high-pixel-density display technology, Samsung is well-positioned to meet Apple’s demanding specifications for the Vision Pro’s successor. The collaboration signals the alignment of two tech giants in the pursuit of bringing advanced mixed reality to a wider audience.
While the prospect of a budget-friendly Vision Pro is exciting, patience will be essential. According to TF Securities International analyst Ming-Chi Kuothe affordable model may be delayed beyond 2027. If this timeline holds, Apple enthusiasts will have to wait a few more years before they can see the Vision Pro’s advanced mixed reality capabilities at a more accessible price.
The possibility of a more affordable Apple Vision Pro could be a game-changer for the mixed reality industry, broadening the reach of a technology once reserved for premium buyers. If Apple succeeds, it will mark a step forward in making immersive experiences more accessible, potentially setting a new benchmark in the tech industry. Until then, the world watches, eager to see how Apple will redefine the future of mixed reality with the help of Samsung’s groundbreaking display technology.
