Apple has reportedly abandoned manufacturing of microLED displays, according to insight provided by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. This means that previous reports on the tech giant’s progress in this area have been dramatically reversed. Apple had previously poured a significant amount of money into improving microLED displays, which were originally planned to be integrated into the Apple Watch Ultra.
However, the complexities and costs associated with microLED technology proved to be a formidable obstacle in Apple’s design efforts. As a result, the company is now restructuring its business technology units, leading to layoffs in the US. and Asia although some affected employees may have the opportunity to transition to other roles within the company while others will receive severance packages.
Speculation about Apple canceling its microLED programs emerged in February, prompted by signals from ams OSRAM and other suppliers, which signaled the termination of a major microLED-related project and the issues that followed there came a hint of a possible split between Apple and Kulicke & Sofa, another player in the… growing display market.
Although analysts such as Ming-Chi Kuo and Display Supply Chain Consultants supported the cancellation reports, Gurman initially contested, insisting that Apple is still actively pursuing microLED integration in the Apple Watch of the company but is changing its position by pulling out of the microLED Apple Watch project.
MicroLED technology, known for its micro-LED-based pixel design, offers advantages such as increased efficiency, contrast, and response time compared to traditional LED displays Furthermore, it boasts high and risky color reproduction with thermal fatigue associated with OLED technology. Despite these advantages Apple’s decision to abandon the microLED system stems from a lack of economic viability. Gurman suggests that Apple will continue to rely on OLED displays for the underlying Apple Watch, with microLED potentially reimagined for future projects The company is reportedly exploring new supply chains and options for microLED technology, although no significant improvements in this regard are expected in the near future.
