Apple plans to develop a more affordable model in order to bring Vision Pro, its product in the field of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), to a wider audience. In this regard, the company continues to search for screen technology for the new Vision Pro model, which has been postponed until after 2027, and focuses on alternative solutions instead of existing high-cost screen options. Sony’s OLEDoS (OLED on Silicon) panels, currently used in Vision Pro, are preferred because they offer superior image quality and have high pixel density. However, the high production costs of these panels make Apple’s affordable price target difficult. For this reason, it is known that the company is re-evaluating its screen choice.
According to TheElec, Apple is focusing on two different screen technologies for the new lower-cost Vision Pro model. The first of these is a solution known as “W-OLED+CF”, which includes a combination of White OLED and Color Filter (CF). These screens, unlike existing panels, are built on a glass base instead of silicone. However, this technology has two different production methods. The first method involves placing the color filter on a second glass layer, and this method is already widely used. The disadvantage of this system is that the panel becomes thicker due to the addition of an extra layer of glass.
Apple evaluates the second method, which is more efficient in terms of cost and structure, in detail. This method involves integrating the color filter directly into the thin film layer (TFE) on the glass. Thus, since a second layer of glass is not needed, the screen can have a thinner and lighter structure. This technology also stands out as a solution that Samsung also uses in foldable phone screens. Therefore, it is on the agenda that Apple may cooperate with Samsung for the new Vision Pro model. While Samsung is already a leader in the foldable display market, it also stands out as the strongest candidate for Apple in this project.
Although Samsung has experience with this technology, the screen resolution targeted by Apple poses a significant technical challenge in this field. While the current Vision Pro has a very high pixel density of 3,391 ppi, the targeted density in the more affordable model is stated to be approximately 1,500 ppi. Although this is a considerably lower value than the original model, it means a rate much higher than the ppi values used in foldable displays on the market. The highest screen density used in Samsung’s popular Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series is 426 ppi. This rate can only meet one-third of the density required by Apple.
Samsung may focus on new panel technologies due to demand from Apple
Samsung Display may have to develop these screens with new generation panel technologies in order to meet Apple’s expectations. The company’s innovations in foldable display technologies and its increasing investments in the AR/VR field may make it possible to produce higher density panels. However, if the display quality that Apple targets cannot be achieved, thicker but easier to produce alternatives are also on the table, such as adding the color filter to the second glass layer.
While Apple’s efforts to make the Vision series more accessible continue, this new model is expected to be especially lower-cost. While it is known that the company wants to gain an important position in the field of augmented reality with Vision Pro, it is becoming increasingly clear that it is necessary to reduce pricing in order to reach a wider user base. Although Vision Pro, equipped with advanced technologies, has aroused great interest since the first moment it was launched, it has difficulty reaching a wide user base due to its price.