Source: news.google.com
what you need to know
- LG is reportedly working to prepare to provide microLED screens for a second-generation mixed reality headset.
- Sony will reportedly provide the microLED panels for the first-gen device.
- Apple is expected to announce its first headphones next year.
According to a new report, Apple’s oft-rumored mixed reality headset could use new microLED displays. That same report claims that LG Display is preparing to produce parts for Apple’s second-generation hardware and is ready to place its own orders for the hardware needed to do so. The first-gen offering will reportedly use Sony hardware.
Today’s report comes via The Elec, with the outlet stating that LG Display “is expected to order deposition equipment to make Sunic System’s MicroOLED.” The move will allow LG Display to fight for the second version of the rumored headset: Apple has long been rumored to have plans to release its mixed reality headset as soon as early next year, a timeline that would require its Component suppliers and assemblers already have their ducks in a row. To that end, the report notes that Sony is in charge of building microLED panels this time.
Cupertino is expected to use Sony’s MicroOLED panel for the screen in its first MR device, while LG Display will provide the outer screen, or a “gauge,” which will be a regular OLED panel. Apple’s new device is expected to launch in the first half of next year. LG Display aims to supply the MicroOLED panel in the iPhone maker’s follow-up to its MR device.
MicroLED technology “mounts the OLED on a silicon substrate”, while other methods involve the use of glass. For that reason, it’s thought that microLED could be widely used in devices like Apple’s mixed reality headset. The use of microLEDs could allow for lower power usage and higher brightness, although the latter is unlikely to be a key requirement for a display that will be mounted so close to users’ eyes. The lower power requirements could be beneficial given reports that at least one of Apple’s M1 chips will be included in the design.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of Apple’s likely use of microLED technology in its headphones – reports from a few months ago pointed to something similar.
Some rumors had Apple unveiling the headphones during the WWDC22 event last week, but that didn’t happen. The headphones are now believed to make their debut in the first few months of 2023 with a price tag of at least $2,000.
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