In a surprising move, Apple may soon turn to Samsung for the display technology in its upcoming affordable Vision Pro headset. As Apple strategizes how to bring its high-tech augmented reality device to a broader market, sources suggest the company is exploring Samsung’s foldable display tech as a potential solution. However, with the headset’s release delayed until beyond 2027, Apple has given itself ample time to get it right.
Switching Display Technologies for Cost Efficiency
The current Vision Pro relies on OLED on Silicon (OLEDoS) panels from Sony, boasting an astounding 3,391ppi pixel density. This pixel-rich, ultra-clear display sets a high bar for immersive experiences but comes with an equally high price tag. To make an affordable Vision Pro a reality, Apple must swap out this high-cost tech for something more feasible, and it’s weighing two display options.
One contender is W-OLED+CF—White OLED with a Color Filter. Unlike Apple’s OLEDoS, which is built onto silicon, W-OLED+CF uses a glass plate, reducing production costs. But there’s more complexity under the hood: the color filter can be implemented in two ways, each with unique trade-offs.
Apple’s Lean Towards Samsung’s Thin-Film Encapsulation (TFE)
The more established way to create a color filter involves using a second layer of glass. While effective, this approach makes the display thicker—less than ideal for sleek, lightweight headsets. Alternatively, Samsung’s foldable display tech offers a thin, compact solution by applying the color filter directly onto a Thin-Film Encapsulation (TFE) layer, negating the need for an additional glass sheet.
As a result, Apple is leaning toward this innovative TFE-based approach. Samsung has already proven its mettle with this technology in its foldable phones, and it could give Apple’s Vision Pro the edge it needs to be both affordable and practical.
The Challenge of Achieving High Pixel Density
Despite Samsung’s advancements, meeting Apple’s requirements won’t be easy. Even at a reduced target of 1,500ppi—less than half the density of the premium Vision Pro—this figure is still leagues beyond what Samsung’s folding screens currently achieve. For comparison, the Galaxy Z Flip6 offers the highest pixel density among Samsung’s foldable lineup, but even that tops out at 426ppi—just a third of what Apple needs.
Achieving the jump to 1,500ppi will be a formidable challenge, requiring Samsung Display to push its display tech beyond current standards. While Apple hasn’t completely ruled out the two-glass solution, Samsung’s TFE approach remains the front-runner for now, especially if it can meet Apple’s stringent demands for clarity and compactness.
A Vision for the Future of Affordable AR
The Vision Pro headset, despite its delayed release, is poised to reshape how people experience augmented reality. By sourcing a display solution that balances affordability and functionality, Apple is preparing to make AR accessible to a wider audience, likely accelerating industry-wide advancements in display technology.
With Samsung as a potential supplier, Apple’s affordable Vision Pro headset could mark a new era of collaboration and innovation in the AR space. As the project unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Samsung’s foldable display tech will be the breakthrough Apple needs to bring augmented reality to the masses.
