Samsung may help Apple produce a more affordable Vision Pro XR (extended reality) headset. The iPhone maker is reportedly planning to use the Korean firm’s W-OLED+CF panels in future versions of its Vision Pro headset. The original model uses an advanced OLEDoS display from Sony, which is substantially more expensive, adding to the device’s cost.
Apple might switch to Samsung for its next Vision Pro display
Apple’s Vision Pro headset is an expensive tech piece. Its steep $3,499 price tag before taxes has severely limited its sales, so much so that the company has sharply cut production as it has sufficient inventory that may last through the next year. To address these challenges, it appears to be seeking a cost-effective alternative, with Samsung helping it achieve the goal.
Recent reports from the Korean media suggest Apple is considering Samsung’s W-OLED+CF (White OLED with Color Filter) panels for the next Vision Pro iteration. Typically, W-OLED+CF panels use two layers of glass—one for the OLED panel and another for the color filter. While this approach increases the display’s thickness, it also reduces costs significantly.
Samsung is a global leader in the OLED display industry. However, there’s a problem. Its most dense display currently is the Galaxy Z Flip 6’s cover screen (426ppi). Apple wants a panel with around 1,500ppi pixel density, nearly triple Samsung’s current output. It’ll still be substantially less dense than the original Vision Pro’s Sony-made OLEDoS display (3,391ppi).
Samsung is allegedly investing in research equipment for W-OLED+CF technology at its A3 OLED manufacturing line. Hopefully, this facility meets Apple’s display needs for a more affordable Vision Pro. The Korean firm itself is working on an XR headset tentatively called the Galaxy XR. It may compete directly against Apple’s second-gen Vision Pro. Expect more details in the coming months.
