Everything we know about the upcoming MicroLED screen technology with the Apple Watch Ultra

Apple is currently developing an advanced display technology called microLED, which will debut in the Apple Watch Ultra. Although the product is expected to be released in 2025, speculation and rumors abound about this technology already. In this article we take a detailed overview of Apple's current developments regarding microLED technology, and Apple's plans to use it in other devices in the future.

Apple Watch Ultra with a microLED screen

The current version of the Apple Watch Ultra, released in 2022, uses OLED screen technology. Apple is working on a new version of the watch with microLED screen technology, which offers similar benefits to OLED technology but with additional improvements.

The upcoming microLED watch is expected to come with a 2.1-inch screen, but information about other features is currently unknown. Apple is currently testing microLED displays for the watch, which it believes will provide a more natural and smooth viewing experience, making the content displayed on the watch face appear as if it were part of the watch glass rather than on a separate layer, resulting in a more natural and integrated appearance.

It is uncertain if Apple will release any updates for the Apple Watch Ultra before implementing the microLED technology. However, since the new model is not expected until at least two years from now, it is possible to issue a non-radical update to the watch and postpone the fundamental changes to the MicroLED version.

MicroLED technology overview

MicroLED display technology has been around for nearly two decades, but has not yet been widely adopted due to high production costs and manufacturing difficulties. Although Samsung Produced microLED TV Indeed, it is priced at $150 due to these manufacturing intricacies.

MicroLED technology uses microscopic LEDs, meaning incredibly small, condensed next to each other that act as individual pixels, resulting in high-resolution displays with bright, vibrant colors.

However, this process is not yet perfected, largely because it takes a long time to test each LED individually. Since microLED technology is still in its infancy, new production technologies are constantly being developed to improve the manufacturing process and make it more efficient, with many companies focusing on developing this technology.

Compared to LED screens, microLED technology is more energy efficient, which extends the life of batteries. And unlike OLED technology; microLED screens have a lower risk of screen burn-in and a longer lifespan. In addition, microLED displays provide contrast improvements, faster response times due to individual illumination at the pixel level, as well as better, brighter colours. Overall, microLED is a next-generation display technology that is superior to OLED and miniLED.

MicroLED displays, like OLED displays, can be flexible. This feature makes microLED technology an ideal candidate for foldable devices that Apple may produce in the future. In addition, microLED screens are very suitable for curved screens.

Screen development at Apple

Apple plans to design and develop microLED screen technology in-house, without relying on third-party suppliers such as Samsung or LG Display, but companies such as TSMC will manufacture it.

Apple has invested billions of dollars and devoted more than six years to the research and development of microLED technology. In 2015, it set up a secret lab in northern Taiwan to work on creating thinner, brighter, and more energy-efficient screens for future iOS devices, and the factory is rumored to be solely for microLED screens. It is said that Apple has more than 300 employees working on developing this type of screen.

Other devices with MicroLED screen technology

Apple is expected to follow a similar rollout strategy for microLED screens as it did with OLED screens. The Apple Watch Ultra will be the first device to feature microLED technology, followed by the iPhone. In the future, microLED could also be used for iPads and Macs, but it may take some time to scale up this technology.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman stated that Apple has an approach to using microLED displays for all of these devices. The original Apple Watch, introduced in 2015, was the first Apple device to use OLED technology, and two years later, it brought it to the iPhone with the iPhone X. Now, there are rumors of OLED screens for iPads and MacBooks.

MicroLED release date

It is possible that Apple's plans for microLED technology will be delayed, and the release date of this new technology may be pushed back until 2026. Currently, Apple aims to integrate it into the Apple Watch Ultra 2025 release in September, when Apple usually announces new Apple Watch models.

Source:

macrumors