Apple’s cheaper Vision Pro headset may get a lower-resolution display
Apple is reportedly developing plans for a cheaper version of the Vision Pro, its first-ever mixed reality (MR) headset. While no release date has been announced and the device isn’t even official yet, speculation suggests it could launch in late 2025. According to a recent report, this new headset could feature larger displays but lower resolutions in an effort to keep costs down.
Lower-cost Vision Pro with lower-resolution displays
According to a report According to The Elec, the more affordable version of the Apple Vision Pro could feature large 2.1-inch OLED-on-Silicon (OLEDoS) displays, making them significantly larger than those on the current Vision Pro headset. These displays are expected to have a resolution of 1,700 pixels per inch (ppi).
Currently, Sony is reportedly Apple’s primary supplier of these microdisplays. However, production capacity is limited to 9,00,000 panels per year, and since each headset uses two screens, this translates to a maximum capacity to support 4,50,000 mixed-reality headsets.
To address this, Apple has reportedly issued a request for information (RFI) – a process to obtain technology-related information before a product is developed – to other display makers including Samsung and LG to gauge their production capabilities. According to the report, this is not only an attempt to increase shipments of the Vision Pro, but also to ensure a stable supply of the displays. However, it is reportedly unclear whether either company will respond to Apple’s request.
Notably, the Apple Vision Pro features dual 1.42-inch displays with a pixel density of 3,400 ppi. These displays are also believed to be one of the prime reasons behind the headset’s steep $3,499 (roughly Rs. 2,90,000) price tag, with the displays alone reportedly costing $456 (roughly Rs. 38,000).
If it does come to that, the displays on the cheaper Vision Pro would be a significant step down from the existing version. But it could also lead to a lower price for the mixed reality headset overall.
