Apple unveils Vision Pro mixed reality headset’s refresh rate

Apple has disclosed more details about its upcoming Vision Pro mixed reality headset, revealing a refresh rate of 90Hz for its screens during an online WWDC session. These details were shared with developers and provided insights into the operation of 2D video and stereoscopic 3D video within the headset.

This refresh rate puts Apple’s new headset in line with some of the latest smartphones and PC gaming monitors, offering improved responsiveness and smoother motion compared to slower displays. While the headset’s 90Hz refresh rate is generally seen as the minimum requirement for a smooth virtual reality experience, Apple has confirmed that the Vision Pro display can exceed this rate under certain circumstances. When displaying 24fps content, the system can ramp up to a 96Hz refresh rate, reducing frame jitter and enhancing the overall viewing experience. Some of Vision Pro’s competitors provide up to 120Hz refresh rate, especially headsets focused on VR gaming.

In addition to the refresh rate, Apple has also shared more details on other display specifications of the headset. For 2D content, the headset maxes out at a 4K resolution with native support for both Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR) content. Furthermore, Apple has used twin Micro OLED displays, each boasting more pixels than a 4K TV, providing an ultra-rich viewing experience for each eye.

Speculation has it that the displays offer a pixel density of approximately 3400 PPI and a resolution of 3800 x 3000 for each display, based on Apple’s official specification of 23 million pixels across both displays. If these rumors are accurate, the Vision Pro could surpass many mainstream VR headsets currently available in the market in terms of resolution.

Apple Vision Pro has been anticipated for years and its unveiling at WWDC 2023 marked a significant step in Apple’s entry into the mixed-reality wearable tech segment. However, while Apple has begun to disclose details about the Vision Pro’s specifications, the Cupertino-based giant is yet to publish a full spec sheet. The release of Apple’s Vision Pro is set for early next year, with a starting price of $3,499.