Apple's long-rumored mixed reality headset is reportedly nearing completion, and new details have emerged about its display. According to Ross Young on Twitter, the headset will feature twin 1.41-inch Micro-OLED displays with a resolution of 3,600 x 1,920 pixels per eye. This would make the displays significantly higher resolution than those found in any other VR headset on the market.
In addition to their high resolution, Young claims that the displays will also be very bright, with a peak brightness of 5,000 nits. This is important for VR headsets, as it allows them to display high-contrast images even in brightly lit environments.
The combination of high resolution and brightness suggests that Apple's mixed reality headset will offer a truly immersive VR experience. However, it's important to note that the report is just a rumor, and Apple has not yet confirmed any details about the headset. I have previously reported that the Apple VR headset will access millions of apps from the company's ecosystem.
You want more, I will give you more: Micro OLED specs for Apple's AR/VR headset:
1.41" in diagonal
4000 PPI
>5000 nits of brightness— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) May 30, 2023
Mounting Rumors Suggest an Announcement is Imminent
Apple is known to be working on a mixed-reality headset but last month reports emerged that employees have been unimpressed during internal testing. There are plenty of rumors about features for the headset, including:
- High-resolution Micro OLED displays: The headset is said to feature two 1.41-inch Micro OLED screens, each with 4,000 ppi (pixels per inch) and 5,000 nits of brightness.
- Digital crown dial: The headset could have a physical dial on the side, similar to the one on the Apple Watch, that would allow users to switch between VR and AR modes.
- Color passthrough: The headset could offer color passthrough, which means that it could use exterior cameras and sensors to capture and display the real world in full color, rather than in black and white or grayscale.
- Eye and hand tracking: The headset could support eye and hand tracking, which means that it could detect the user's eye movements and gestures, and use them for input and interaction.
- xrOS operating system: The headset could run on a new operating system called xrOS, which would be based on iOS but optimized for mixed reality experiences.
- External battery pack: The headset could have an external battery pack that would be designed to sit in the user's pocket or clip onto their belt.
Apple sees VR and AR as the next big computing platforms, following the smartphone era. The company believes that these technologies can offer new and innovative ways of interacting with digital content and information, as well as creating immersive and engaging experiences for entertainment, education, communication, and more.
Apple's mixed reality headset is likely to be a stepping stone for the company to enter the VR/AR market, and to test the waters for its future products. Apple's mixed reality headset could be a game-changer for the VR/AR industry, as it could bring Apple's design expertise, software ecosystem, and brand recognition to the field. However, it could also face some challenges and competition from other players, such as Meta, Sony, Microsoft, HTC, Valve, and more.
