Apple allegedly works on miniature OLED screens for its forthcoming augmented reality eyewear.
In the buzz surrounding Apple's augmented reality ventures, a recent report has surfaced, suggesting Apple has joined forces with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) in the mission to manufacture advanced micro OLED displays for an upcoming AR headset. According to Nikkei Asia, their alliance is driven by TSMC's proficiency in creating minuscule, high-performing components and Apple's quest for display technology expertise.
It appears that TSMC is employing a portion of its current chip fabrication for early development of these displays, while simultaneously aiming to establish dedicated production lines in collaboration with Apple. The influential tech giant, having an R&D lab close to TSMC's advanced chip-packaging and test facility in Taoyuan, Taiwan, is reportedly advancing towards the trial production stage of its micro OLED project. However, as indicated by Nikkei Asia's source, full-scale production may still be a few years away, potentially pushing Apple's AR/VR major push towards 2023 or beyond.
In the world of AR devices, micro OLED displays are viewed as the logical next step in technological advancement, surpassing current displays like OLED and LCD. One of micro OLED's key advantages is the ability to position diodes atop silicon wafers, eliminating the need for additional substrate layers. This allows for thinner dimensions and increased energy efficiency, attributes crucial for lightweight AR glasses.
However, Apple's final design for the headset remains uncertain. Recent whispers have hinted at multiple test models for both AR and VR goggles, with the latter featuring dual 8K displays. It's clear that Apple is meticulously purchasing the building blocks for its AR headset's success, starting with TSMC to perfect miniature OLED displays.
As for the broader scope of Apple's AR projects, informed sources have indicated that the initiative is still in its developmental phase. Insiders suggest that a commercial release could be at least three years away, from around 2026 or 2027[1][3]. Some industry voices have even discussed Apple's introduction of the Vision Pro headset, a mixed-reality device with cutting-edge eye-scanning and mixed reality capabilities, even though it may not yet meet the expectations of the anticipated lightweight, high-contrast AR glasses.
- The alliance between Apple and TSMC is expected to strengthen Apple's position in the future of technology, especially in the realm of AR devices, as they work together to manufacture advanced micro OLED displays.
- Nikkei Asia's report suggests that TSMC's expertise in creating minuscule, high-performing components aligns perfectly with Apple's quest for display technology expertise, which is crucial for their upcoming AR headset.
- Apple's plan to establish dedicated production lines for the miniature OLED displays with TSMC in Taoyuan, Taiwan, reflects the tech giant's commitment to the development of AR technology, potentially leading to the trial production stage of their micro OLED project.
- The partnership between Apple and TSMC signifies a significant step towards the future of tech displays, as micro OLED technology is seen as the logical next step in AR device development, offering advantages like thinner dimensions and increased energy efficiency.