Tim CookPicture: Spencer Platt (Getty Images)
Apple’s WWDC event came and went without mentioning any AR / VR headset, but that hasn’t stopped the influx of reports and rumors about this long-awaited product. Despite the absence of the first model, we are now learning about Apple’s second-generation mixed reality headset.
I appreciate your exasperated, collective sighs, but this new report doesn’t come from a random Twitter user who offers specifications and numbers. Earlier, South Korea’s reliable team The Elec reported that LG Display will try to supply the micro OLED panel for Apple’s second headset.
Why not the first model? Sony is reportedly supplying the main micro OLED panel for the original mixed reality headset, while LG will provide an external OLED “indicator” display.
LG wants to get more involved and will try to outperform Sony as the leading provider of the second generation micro OLED headset display. This could benefit Apple as it tries to distance itself from a potential rival: Sony is already a major player in the VR space with its PlayStation VR headphones.
LG is preparing its micro OLED displays by requesting deposition equipment from Sunic System. He will use these tools to make micro OLED panels for Apple’s second-generation headphones.
What is micro OLED?
As The Elec explains, the micro OLED mounts an OLED layer on a silicon substrate while conventional OLED panels mount them on glass. With crystal silicon as a backplate, micro OLED panels can be thinner and less energy consuming, while offering excellent picture quality with perfect black levels and high brightness. Micro OLED is expected to be the technology of choice for upcoming mixed reality headphones.
But this nascent display technology combined with other advanced features (M series processors, two 8K displays, a dozen sensors) is not cheap. It has been reported that it will increase the price of Apple’s next AR / VR headphones to a ridiculous $ 3,000. That’s another zero added to the price of the Oculus Quest 2, the current leader in space.
We anticipated some mention of AR / VR at Apple’s WWDC event last week, but it never came. Still, all rumors point to a revelation in late 2022 or early 2023 and a mid / late release next year. If you prefer to wait for the second-generation product, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted last year that it would reach the second half of 2024 with a lighter design, improved battery and faster performance (and a lowest price, hope).