Apple unplugs internal MicroLED display for Apple Watch
series-9-apps-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Apple-Watch-series-9-apps-scaled-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Apple-Watch-series-9-apps-scaled-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Apple-Watch-series-9-apps-scaled-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Apple-Watch-series-9-apps-scaled-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Apple-Watch-series-9-apps-scaled-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Apple-Watch-series-9-apps-scaled-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Apple-Watch-series-9-apps-scaled-840w-472h.jpg 840w” alt=”An Apple Watch series 9 displays the app screen.” src=”https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Apple-Watch-series-9-apps-scaled.jpg”/> Kaitlyn Cimino
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
TL;DR
- A new report claims that Apple has ended its initiative to develop MicroLED smartwatch displays in-house.
- Apple reportedly canceled the project after finding the displays too complex and expensive to develop.
- In-house MicroLED displays would have allowed Apple to reduce its dependence on suppliers like Samsung.
Rumors suggested that Apple was internally preparing MicroLED displays for its future smartwatches, like the Apple Watch
According to Bloomberg, Apple has reportedly interrupted its work on MicroLED screens for smartwatches. It appears this decision was made around the same time the company decided to abandon its self-driving car, which was reported in late February.
As for why Apple is abandoning its internal projects, the report states that the company found the project too complex and expensive. This would correspond to a statement made by the analyst Ming Chi Kuo who stated on March 1, 2024 that “Apple has canceled Apple Watch Micro LED projects”. However, aside from being expensive, Kuo added: “Apple believes that Micro LEDs cannot add significant value to this product. »
When compared to each other, MicroLED displays tend to outperform OLEDs in color and clarity, providing deeper contrast and more consistent viewing from all angles. At the same time, MicroLEDs have an advantage in terms of brightness and longevity.
If Apple could have achieved its goal, it could have reduced its dependence on suppliers like Samsung and LG. Now that Apple is abandoning in-house development, it won’t be able to abandon these suppliers just yet.
