## Apple Investigates New OLEDoS Suppliers for Upcoming Mixed Reality Headsets
Apple Inc. is renowned for its groundbreaking innovations, and recent speculation suggests that the company is considering alternative suppliers for its OLED-on-Silicon (OLEDoS) panels. This strategy indicates potential new mixed reality headsets in development, possibly complementing the Apple Vision Pro.
### Current Supplier Overview
Currently, Sony is the sole provider of OLEDoS panels for the Apple Vision Pro. These panels are essential for delivering the high-resolution, immersive experiences Apple products are known for. Sony supplies up to 900,000 panels annually, meeting Apple’s production needs. However, there are no plans for Sony to increase this output.
### Prospective Suppliers: Samsung and LG
Reports from The Elec reveal that Apple has approached both Samsung and LG for additional OLEDoS panels. This initiative hints that Apple aims to diversify its supply chain, likely to obtain better pricing or to ensure a continuous supply of components.
#### Samsung’s Technological Advantages
Samsung currently has a functional production line for OLEDoS panels using wOLED+CF technology, which involves a white OLED panel with color filters to achieve the desired brightness and color accuracy for mixed reality applications. Additionally, Samsung is proposing a different technology that integrates RGB pixels directly into the OLED panel, potentially offering greater brightness than the existing wOLED+CF method.
#### LG’s Current Status
LG does not yet have an operational production line for OLEDoS panels. However, given LG’s history of rapid technological progress, it is plausible that they may soon develop the capacity to meet Apple’s needs.
### Prospects for Larger, Lower-Resolution Panels
The report also mentions that Apple is interested in 2.0 to 2.1-inch OLEDoS panels, significantly larger than the 1.42-inch panels used in the Apple Vision Pro. These larger panels might have only half the resolution of the current models, suggesting that Apple could be developing a more affordable, lower-resolution mixed reality headset.
### Potential for More Affordable Headsets
There is speculation that Apple is working on a less expensive mixed reality headset. Such a product might connect to an iPhone or Mac, thereby reducing the reliance on costly processors and other high-end components, making mixed reality more accessible to a larger audience.
### Continued Evolution of the Apple Vision Pro
While Apple explores new suppliers and lower-cost alternatives, it is also reportedly developing an updated version of the Apple Vision Pro, in line with its strategy to continually enhance its product offerings and remain competitive in the tech market.
### Conclusion
Apple’s investigation into alternative OLEDoS panel suppliers underscores its commitment to innovation and expanding its presence in the mixed reality space. By potentially collaborating with Samsung and LG, Apple aims to strengthen its supply chain and possibly launch more accessible mixed reality headsets.
### Q&A Session
**Q1: Why is Apple seeking new OLEDoS suppliers?**
Apple is looking for new suppliers to diversify its supply chain, secure competitive pricing, and ensure a reliable supply of components for future products.
**Q2: What makes Samsung’s proposed technology significant?**
Samsung’s technology, which integrates RGB pixels directly into the OLED panel, could provide higher brightness levels compared to the current wOLED+CF technique.
**Q3: Will Sony continue to supply panels for the Apple Vision Pro?**
Yes, Sony will keep supplying panels for the Apple Vision Pro but has no plans to increase its production capacity.
**Q4: What could be the impact of larger but lower-resolution OLEDoS panels?**
These panels may be used in a more affordable, lower-resolution mixed reality headset, broadening the technology’s accessibility.
**Q5: Is LG prepared to supply OLEDoS panels?**
As of now, LG does not have a working production line for these panels, but it may develop one to fulfill Apple’s requirements.
**Q6: What is Apple’s strategy for mixed reality headsets?**
Apple appears to be developing both high-end and more affordable mixed reality headsets to appeal to different market segments.
**Q7: How reliable is the information from The Elec?**
The Elec is generally accurate regarding supply chain details but has a less reliable track record concerning Apple’s specific plans.
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