The highly anticipated Apple AR/VR headset, rumored to be called Reality Pro, is slated for a June 5 announcement. Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), revealed that the device will boast two 1.41-inch micro OLEDs, delivering a stunning 4,400 ppi resolution and over 5,000 nits of brightness. In a subsequent tweet, the analyst confirmed that the resolution would be “4K per eye.”
By doing some simple calculations, it becomes evident that a 1.41-inch diagonal with a circular/square display results in a 1-inch side and a 4,000 x 4,000-pixel resolution for each display. These figures are remarkable, especially when compared to Meta Quest Pro’s resolution of 1,800 x 1,920 per eye or PlayStation VR 2’s 2,000 x 2,040 pixels per eye.
While the brightness value is five times greater than the standard nits typically reported for smartphones, it’s essential to remember that human eyes perceive light differently. Consequently, the value should be determined exponentially, similar to f-stops. For instance, there is one step from 1,000 nits to 2,000 nits, another from 2,000 nits to 4,000 nits, and a third from 4,000 to 8,000 nits, and so on. This means that the Reality Pro displays will be almost three times brighter than a smartphone screen at maximum brightness.
Priced at around $1,500, the headset may be a significant investment for casual users and enthusiasts. However, it is expected to target professionals who will likely use the device to create a metaverse for future clients. These customers will then have the option to purchase a more affordable non-Pro Reality model with modest specifications and a budget-friendly price tag.