Leaked information from Korean online publication The Elec revealed on Monday that LG Displays will order components to develop an extended reality (XR) display in a bid to create a supply deal with Apple.
LG is securing crucial parts from Sunic System to produce advanced microLED display panels for Apple’s second-generation mixed reality (MR) headset, sources in the report said.
They explained that Apple could integrate LG’s MicroOLED components as an external display that operates along with an inner OLED panel.
To improve physical integration, LG produces MicroOLED displays with a base of silicon rather than glass. LG also supplies its silicon solution to military groups employing XR for personal training.
The South Korean technology firm is not aiming for Apple’s first-generation MR headset as Sony currently produces its MiroLED displays. Rather, reports suggest Sony is competing in the second-generation device display race despite LG’s apparent lead in the sector.
Other XR component manufacturers are raising millions to meet the growing global demand for integrated display solutions.
Additional tech firms such as InZiv secured $10 million to enter Asian and US markets, while Vuereal gained $14.4 million to develop microLED parts with LG as a critical investor.
Global smart glass vendor Vuzix also recently signed an exclusivity deal with Atomistic SAS to integrate the world’s first full-colour microLED display.
Apple’s Elusive MR Headset
Many expected Apple to unveil its long-awaited MR headset at this year’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). However, the firm did not show any MR products.
In April, lines found in the iOS 16 beta source code contained countless references to integrated MR technology and features, leading to 2022 release date rumours. At the moment, reports suggest that Apple is eyeing a late 2022 or early 2023 release window.
Additionally, a trademark filing for “Reality OS” raised anticipation further in May. In the same month, Apple internally teased board members – including CEO Tim Cook – with a prototype MR device near completion.
Consistent insights from trusted Apple Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reveal vital details regarding the MR device. The analyst predicts that Apple’s device will contain an M1 chip, 96W USB-C power adapter, and sensor-related computing hardware, among other features.
Additionally, the Cupertino based-firm has filed over 349 technology patents for related MR components and features. Apple’s patent requests include spatial audio systems, biometrics, time of flight modules, an immersive user interface, low-light displays, and a ring-shaped controller.
