Apple’s plans to upgrade to Micro LED technology for the Apple Watch series may be delayed until 2027 due to problems with completing the supply chain of the necessary components. This update aims to replace the OLED displays in Apple Watch models, offering improved battery life, brightness, and efficiency.
Last year, there were first reports that Apple might introduce Micro LED technology in its Apple Watch by the end of 2024. However, the forecasts were postponed, and now the expected timing of this transition is not earlier than the first quarter of 2026, according to TrendForce, a market research company.
The main problem in Apple’s transition to Micro LED technology is the high production cost and low performance. The production cost of a Micro LED display for the Apple Watch could reach USD 150, as opposed to the current cost of OLED displays of USD 38. Such a significant cost difference raises concerns about the retail prices of future micro LED Apple Watches, potentially positioning them at a much higher price point than current models and even OLED iPhones.
Despite these challenges, Apple’s interest in Micro LED technology is driven by its advantages over OLED, including the potential to improve image quality on smaller screens. With an achievable pixel density range of 300-400 PPI, Micro LED offers a suitable upgrade path for wearable devices.
Apple is reportedly working with a variety of suppliers to overcome these obstacles, including Epistar and Osram for wafer and chip manufacturing, LuxVue for PCB technology, and LG Display and ITRI for additional components. However, without a complete supply chain, the path to mass production remains uncertain.
As the industry watches Apple‘s efforts to innovate its line of wearables, the potential move to Micro LED technology is a significant investment in the future of smartwatch displays. However, given the manufacturing costs and complexity of the supply chain, consumers may have to wait longer than expected for the next big leap in Apple Watch technology.
