Apple is carefully weighing its options for implementing color filter technology in its upcoming budget-friendly mixed reality (MR) device, according to industry sources familiar with the matter. This strategic decision could mark a crucial step in Apple’s efforts to make its mixed reality technology more accessible to mainstream consumers.
The Cupertino-based tech giant is evaluating two distinct approaches for applying color filters to the OLED panels intended for use in what many anticipate will be a more affordable version of the Vision Pro. The new device, while yet unnamed, is set to utilize a sophisticated W-OLED+CF (White OLED with Color Filter) configuration, targeting an impressive resolution of 1,500 pixels per inch (ppi).
This technical approach represents a notable departure from the original Vision Pro’s display technology. While the flagship Vision Pro employs Sony-supplied OLEDoS (OLED on Silicon) technology with an extraordinary 3,391ppi resolution, the upcoming budget model will feature a glass-based panel design. The new display stack consists of a white OLED layer deposited on a glass substrate, topped with red, green, and blue (RGB) color filters to produce the full color spectrum.
Industry insiders reveal that Apple is showing particular interest in an innovative approach: directly forming the color filter on the thin-film encapsulation (TFE) that protects the OLED panel. This method stands in contrast to the more conventional technique of creating separate glass boards – one for the W-OLED layer and another for the color filter – and then combining them.
The preference for direct formation stems from Apple’s commitment to maintaining a slim device profile. By eliminating the need for an additional glass board, this approach could result in a significantly thinner and potentially lighter device. However, this cutting-edge method presents its own set of challenges, primarily centered around the delicate nature of the OLED components.
The process requires precise low-temperature application to prevent damage to the underlying OLED structure, making it technically more demanding than traditional methods. Similar technology has been successfully implemented by Samsung in their foldable phone lineup, where they employ their proprietary Color filter on Encapsulation (CoE) technique.
However, Apple’s ambitions push the boundaries of this technology further. The targeted 1,500ppi resolution for the new MR device represents a massive leap compared to existing applications, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, which operates at 374ppi. This significant increase in density poses additional technical challenges and could impact production costs.
Samsung Display appears to be positioned as the likely partner for developing these specialized W-OLED+CF panels. The company has demonstrated strong commitment to advancing this technology, evidenced by their plans to install dedicated research equipment from Sunic System at their A3 facility.
This development represents more than just a technical decision – it reflects Apple’s broader strategy in the mixed reality market. By exploring more cost-effective display solutions while maintaining high technical standards, Apple appears to be laying the groundwork for wider adoption of its mixed reality technology. The company’s careful consideration of manufacturing processes and component choices suggests a balance between maintaining premium quality while achieving more accessible price points.
As the mixed reality market continues to evolve, Apple’s decisions regarding display technology could have far-reaching implications for the industry’s direction and the accessibility of high-quality MR experiences to broader consumer segments. While specific launch dates and pricing details remain under wraps, these technical developments provide valuable insights into Apple’s vision for the future of mixed reality technology.
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