Skip to main content

Vision Pro performance doubled by R1 chip with custom RAM

Minimizing video lag is crucial to mixed-reality headsets which blend virtual content with live video overlays of the real world, and we’re today learning more about how Apple ensures that Vision Pro performance is up to the task.

A supply-chain report says that the new R1 chip, which processes all the cameras and sensor inputs, is being packaged with custom-designed low-latency memory. This setup is said to double the performance over what would otherwise be possible …

R1 chip key to Vision Pro performance

Vision Pro’s computing capabilities are powered by the same M2 chip used in the latest Macs. But a second chip, the R1, works in tandem to process data from the sensors and cameras. Specifically, the R1 chip handles data from:

  • 12 cameras
  • 6 microphones
  • 5 sensors

The chip processes this data to provide:

  • Head-tracking
  • Eye-tracking
  • 3D mapping of your surroundings
  • Hand-tracking

The first two of these tell Vision Pro where you are looking, so that it can display the appropriate content from both the real world and virtual data over-layed on it.

Custom low-latency RAM

Having a separate processor handle these tasks is key to Vision Pro performance, and especially ensuring there is no discernible lag between head and eye movements and the content displayed.

The Korea Herald says that one of the secrets to processing speed is custom-designed ultra-low latency RAM within the R1 system-on-a-chip.

To support R1’s high-speed processing, SK hynix has developed the custom 1-gigabit DRAM. The new DRAM is known to have increased the number of input and output pins by eightfold to minimize delays. Such chips are also called Low Latency Wide IO. According to experts, the new chip also appears to have been designed using a special packaging method – Fan-Out Wafer Level Packaging – to be attached to the R1 chipset as a single unit […]

It is a new design that would help the headset double the data processing speed, according to industry officials here.

SK hynix, which is the world’s second-largest memory chipmaker, will reportedly be the sole supplier of this memory chip.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


Ben Lovejoy's favorite gear

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications