Apple has reportedly decided to scrap its plans to build a MicroLED display for the Apple Watch, citing high production costs and complexity in development. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company halted work on the display around the same time it canceled its self-driving car project. This move aligns with an earlier rumor from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who also mentioned the economic challenges of producing the display in-house.
As a result of discontinuing the MicroLED display project, Apple has cut several dozen engineering jobs, some of which were located at the company’s own screen manufacturing facility in California. This decision comes after rumors surfaced last year about Apple’s plans to create its own MicroLED displays for its smartwatches. Initially, it was speculated that Apple would release an Apple Watch with these displays in 2024 or 2025, aiming to reduce its dependence on display designs from competitors like Samsung and LG.
While Apple currently uses an OLED display in its Apple Watch, known for its bright and vibrant screen, the advantages of a MicroLED display remain unclear. Despite the efficiency improvements that MicroLED technology may offer, some experts question whether it provides significant benefits over OLED. It seems that Apple’s decision to cancel the in-house MicroLED display project does not signify a complete abandonment of the technology.
Apple’s decision to cancel plans for a MicroLED display for the Apple Watch highlights the challenges faced in developing cutting-edge display technology. The high production costs and complexity of creating MicroLED displays have led the company to shift its focus away from this project. While the future of MicroLED technology remains uncertain, Apple’s continued innovation in display technology will undoubtedly shape the future of smartwatch design.
Leave a Reply