Apple VR/AR headset could have 3000ppi display, says report

News
By Stephen Warwick
published

Apple Vr
Apple Vr (Image credit: The Information)

What you need to know

  • Apple is reportedly working on an AR/VR headset.
  • A new report claims it is looking at a display of 3000 pixels per inch.
  • The company is apparently looking into MicroOLED technology.

A new report claims an Apple VR headset could have a 3000ppi display.

From The Elec:

Apple has requested a sample of fine metal mask (FMM) for application in virtual reality (VR) to APS Holdings, TheElec has learned.Cupertino has requested a sample of the South Korean company's laser patterning FMM. Apple requested a resolution of 3000ppi (pixels per inch).The iPhone maker wanted the FMM to meet the specification, irrelevant of their current productivity.

Apparently, Apple is looking into laser drilling holes to make way for more pixels, and is also exploring use of MicroLED technology, using smaller pixels that have faster response times:

Pixel sizes in OLED panels used in smartphones and TVs range from 40 micrometers to 300 micrometers. Those in MicroOLED panel range from 4 micrometers to 20 micrometers. MicroOLED also has microseconds response time and is a likely candidate to be used for VR and augmented reality (AR) applications.

We know Apple is working on a virtual reality headset, with rumors indicating it could be very expensive. A previous report from The Information tipped Apple to include not one but two 8K displays in its VR headset, stating the headset could cost $3,000.

The project has been described by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman as a "pricey, niche precursor" to Apple's more ambitious Apple Glass project.

The Elec has a very limited track record when it comes to Apple's future plans, but we do know Apple has a headset in the works and we've previously heard the company is definitely not backing down when it comes to the devices display quality.

The news comes as the company prepares to announce its new iPhone 13, expected to be the company's best iPhone yet, alongside a new Apple Watch Series 7 and AirPods 3.

Stephen Warwick
Stephen Warwick
News Editor

Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design.

Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9