Apple abandons in-house microLED display development efforts

WEB DESK: Apple has ceased its in-house efforts to develop microLED displays, marking a significant shift from previous reports by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

The company had heavily invested in advancing microLED technology, initially intending to incorporate it into the Apple Watch Ultra.

However, the complexities and high costs associated with microLED design proved challenging for Apple. Consequently, the company is now restructuring its display engineering divisions and implementing layoffs in the United States and Asia.

While some affected employees may secure alternative roles within Apple, others will receive severance packages.

Speculation surrounding the cancellation of Apple’s microLED-equipped Apple Watch surfaced in February following statements from ams OSRAM, a key supplier, indicating the termination of a pivotal microLED-related project.

Subsequent rumors suggested Apple’s dissociation from Kulicke & Soffa, another player in the advanced display market.

Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and Display Supply Chain Consultants corroborated reports of Apple scrapping its microLED Apple Watch plans.

However, Gurman initially disputed these claims, suggesting ongoing development efforts. Nonetheless, subsequent events indicated otherwise.

Contrary to initial reports, additional speculation from DigiTimes and ETNews regarding ams OSRAM’s replacement and Apple’s alternative supplier proved inaccurate.

MicroLED technology, leveraging microscopic LEDs for individual pixels, offers enhanced energy efficiency, contrast, and response times compared to traditional LED displays.

Additionally, it boasts brighter, superior colors without the risk of burn-in, a common issue with OLED displays. Despite these advantages, Apple abandoned the microLED project due to its lack of economic viability.

Gurman anticipates Apple’s continued reliance on OLED technology for the Apple Watch in the immediate future.

However, the company remains interested in microLED for future endeavors. While Apple is exploring potential new suppliers and methodologies for microLED, any significant developments are unlikely to materialise in the near term.