Apple's work on developing MicroLED panels is slowly nearing mass production, according to the report, by partnering with TSMC to manufacture small panels for use in the Apple Watch and the rumored AR wearable device, potentially starting later this year.
Apple is reportedly developing MicroLED screen technology at a secret engineering and manufacturing facility located 15 minutes from Apple Park, with the tech expected to debut in future devices as a potential replacement for OLED panels currently supplied by Samsung.
Several Apple engineers will be hosting talks at this year's Display Week, running from May 20 to May 25 in Los Angeles.
Apple has allegedly shrunk the workforce behind its Micro LED R&D efforts in Longtan, Taiwan, as a result of slow progress with the mass transfer of Micro LED chips onto receiver substrates — though the company still appears committed to adopting the display technology on future products.
Apple's moves in the space, plus supply chain reports both suggest that the upcoming micro LED display technology is an obvious choice for a future Apple Watch — with recent production equipment breakthroughs suggesting that Apple's purchase of LuxVue in 2014 will bear fruit sooner rather than later.
Apple may adopt Micro LED displays for wearables like the Apple Watch as soon as next year, according to a report.
A supply chain report suggests that Apple is already looking beyond OLED for future products, with the company said to be taking steps for trial production of Micro LED screens in the second half of 2017.
An Apple patent application published on Tuesday backs the company's apparent interest in using micro-LED technology in future products, one possibility being the Apple Watch.
While this year's Apple Watch upgrade is expected to feature largely the same OLED display as its predecessor, the wearable smartwatch could see a major overhaul next year, with Apple said to be investigating micro LED technology for a future model.
An Apple patent application published on Thursday suggests the company is interested in flexible, wearable displays, possibly with a future incarnation of the Apple Watch in mind.
Before Apple acquired low-power display maker LuxVue, micro-LED technology was relatively unknown. But now the display industry is paying close attention, and one expert believes micro-LED could disrupt current LCD screens, as well as OLED displays like on the Apple Watch.
Apple is said to have bought low-power micro-LED maker LuxVue Technology, a deal that could lead to better and more power efficient displays in future devices from the company.
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Malcolm Owen
Andrew O'Hara
Roger Fingas
Mike Wuerthele
AppleInsider Staff
Neil Hughes
