Apple Vision Pro will support 100Hz refresh rate, visionOS reveals
Recent findings in the visionOS developer beta hint that Apple's upcoming mixed-reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, could support refresh rates up to 100Hz. Initially, Apple mentioned the device would offer a refresh rate of around 90Hz. However, code references discovered by a seemingly new user @M1Astra on X suggest that higher refresh rates, such as 90Hz, 96Hz, and 100Hz, might be achievable for the built-in screens.
Compensating for flicker in artificial lighting
The references found in the visionOS beta include a note stating, "Adjusted to 100Hz to compensate for detected 50Hz flicker from artificial lighting." This adjustment would be relevant for European electrical systems operating at 50Hz and would minimize flickering issues when using a mismatched camera frame rate. For instance, filming an environment with 50Hz lights using a 60Hz camera could cause flickering problems. Another reference supporting this is "Passthrough_50Hz_Flicker_Detected."
Additional code references and features
Other code references discovered within the visionOS developer beta include "Exclude_Fan_Blur," "Low_Light_Detected," and adjustments to display frequency due to "thermal mitigation." These findings indicate that Apple is working on various features and optimizations for the Apple Vision Pro headset to ensure a seamless and immersive user experience. There's one code reference, stating "Travel mode requires 90Hz at all times," which will be the default mode set for most of the time.
Implications for Apple's mixed-reality headset
If the discovered code references turn out to be accurate, the Apple Vision Pro's higher refresh rates could offer users a more fluid and responsive visual experience. This enhancement would be especially beneficial for gaming and other applications requiring fast-paced visuals. As more details about the Apple Vision Pro emerge, it will be fascinating to see how these potential features impact the mixed-reality headset market.
