Rumours are swirling around Apple’s potential switch to microLED panels across its entire product range. The reason for this move from organic light-emitting diode (OLED) to micro light-emitting diode display technology is that the latter offers multiple advantages including higher brightness, enhanced contrast ratio, and lower power consumption. It is rumoured to start this transition when it launches the 2nd generation Apple Watch Ultra.
Apple’s transition to microLED panels
Apple Watch Ultra
The 2nd generation of the Apple Watch Ultra is rumoured to be the first device that will be equipped with a microLED screen. The Digitimes report claims that Apple will release the device at the end of 2024 or early 2025. With its evaluation of microLED performance in action prompting a switch, Apple is suggesting that it is looking to reduce its reliance on partner suppliers Samsung Electronics and LG and move to in-house microLED displays by the end of next year.
iPhones and iPads
iPhone and iPad screens are also set to make the switch from OLED to micro-LED. Digitimes reports that Apple is set to make this transition after the launch of the 2nd generation Apple Watch Ultra and will begin evaluation of microLED technology in iPhones models following it. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman believes it could take up to a decade to install the technology across the entire Apple portfolio.
The impact on Samsung and LG
The transition to using its own parts across Apple products is set to hit suppliers Samsung Display and LG. According to Digitimes, the South Korea state-owned research institute Information & Communication Technology Promotion (IITP) believes Apple’s R&D will create a significant impact on the display market.
The benefits of microLED technology
The advantages of microLED technology include improved colour brightness, high resolution, colour contrast, and viewing angles while lowering power consumption. The technology is poised to replace OLED in the coming years, and Apple seems determined to lead the way in adopting these displays across its product range.
iPhone 15 series
The iPhone 15 series, which includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, is expected to launch in September of this year and may still use OLED displays.
