A prominent display supply chain analyst revealed the supposed size, pixel density and brightness of the OLED microdisplays in Apple's upcoming AR/VR headset.
Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, tweeted the specs today:
You want more, I will give you more: Micro OLED specs for Apple's AR/VR headset:
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) May 30, 2023
1.41" in diagonal
4000 PPI
>5000 nits of brightness
Most existing headset panels have an aspect ratio of 9:10. A 1.41" diagonal display with a pixel density of 4000 PPI and an aspect ratio of 9:10 would have a resolution of 4156×3740.
However, if the aspect ratio is square instead it would equate to almost exactly 4000×4000.
Regardless of the exact aspect ratio, it's fair to say that if Young's specs are accurate, Apple's headset will have a resolution describable as 4K per eye.
This isn't entirely unexpected though. As far back as 2021, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed Apple's headset will use dual 4K micro OLED displays.
In January The Information reported the headset's lenses have a field of view of 120 degrees. Given the resolution, this would equate to an average angular resolution of roughly 33 pixels per degree (PPD).
| Meta Quest Pro | Rumored Apple Reality Pro | |
| Field of View | 106° | 120° |
| Lens Separation | Guided Manual | Automatic |
| Screen Type | QD-LCD w/ Mini-LED | Micro OLED |
| Pixels Per Eye | 1800×1920 | ~4000×4000 |
| Average Angular Resolution | <20 | ~33 |
| Price | $1000 | ~$3000 |
For comparison, Quest Pro's average angular resolution is less than 20 PPD, and the generally accepted threshold for retinal resolution is 60 PPD. Note that peak angular resolution in the center of a lens will be higher than the average, dependent on the exact distortion profile of each lens.
Apple's headset, now many years in development, is expected to be finally revealed during the WWDC23 keynote on Monday, which UploadVR's Ian Hamilton is attending in person. For a summary of all the rumors we've heard so far, read our roundup here:
Harry Baker
via Mint VR