Apple is reshaping its supply chain strategy for OLED-on-silicon (OLEDoS) displays, a move entirely key to the launch of a low-cost version of the Vision Pro. According to reports from Korean media outlet The Elec, this change would focus on the search for new suppliers capable of supplying the necessary screens. This is one of the most expensive components of the Vision Pro which would now change specifications and price.
Screens as a key component
Until now, Sony has been the only OLED panel supplier using Vision Pro, with its 1.42-inch high-resolution microscreens with a density of 3,400 pixels per inch (PPI). However, Sony’s limited production capacity, up to 900,000 panels per year, and lack of expansion plans, pushed Apple to explore new alternatives. In this context, Apple has requested information from Samsung Display and LG Display to evaluate their production capabilities for larger OLED panels, between 2.0 and 2.1 inches, with a density of approximately 1,700 PPI.
The display technology used by Sony, which combines white OLED with a color filter, is one of the main factors behind the Vision Pro’s high price. Recently, both Samsung and LG have shown advances in OLED microdisplay technology that could interest Apple. More resolution, more brightness and above all a lower pricethese are the key ingredients.
Without a doubt, the quality of the Vision Pro’s screens is essential to its success. There ability to read text as if we were looking at it on a screen is absolutely essential given the importance given to the productivity of the device. In this context, however, the strategy of a larger screen, even with a lower resolution, can achieve very similar optical quality while significantly reducing the total price of the device.
The pieces for a more affordable Apple Vision Pro are gradually being assembled. A few days ago, we reported on a patent to make the device more comfortable and we also know that Apple has suspended development of the Vision Pro 2 to focus on reducing the cost of the device. Now, with concrete details on specific components, we can begin to glimpse Apple’s strategy to evolve the company’s space computer.
