Until now, everything pointed to the fact that the renewed version of the Apple Watch Ultra could arrive at the end of 2024 or the middle of 2025. However, due to some manufacturing problems, the launch of the device could be postponed until 2026.
Apple has invested more than 1 trillion dollars for the development of technology with microLED. This is largely due to its interest in wanting to reduce dependence on Samsung and gain control over the supply of components in the screens and monitors sector. Based on this large investment, the Apple Watch Ultra is expected to be the first Apple device to incorporate a screen with the microLED technology. This will replace the OLED screen that until now we were used to seeing on the Apple Watch and that had allowed Apple the possibility of developing the “always-on display” function.
Advantages of screens with microLED
Screens that incorporate microLED will be more efficient, especially in terms of energy consumption. This reinforces the idea that the Apple Watch Ultra is the first device to adopt it. Since one of the most outstanding features of the Apple Watch Ultra is autonomy. A watch designed for extreme sports and adventure has to be optimized to the maximum to offer autonomy that does not leave us hanging in the middle of the adventure.
This technology will also favor improvements in the screen qualityas they offer contrast enhancements and faster response times. In future microLED screens each pixel will be made up of an individual LED. Unlike LCD or OLED screens, where the pixels are made up of sub-pixels of different colors.
In microLED screens, each LED will be an autonomous lighting element, with a size of micrometers. This will allow more precise control of each pixel, which will provide that improvement in screen quality, better contrasts and color reproduction.
Being one of the first always has a prize
To date there are several companies also working on the development and implementation of microLED screens. When Apple starts rolling out microLED displays to its devices, it’s likely to experience competitive advantages in the market. Given that Apple pays close attention to detail and has a design approach that goes beyond functionality, microLED displays may allow for new design challenges. Like the design of thinner and lighter devices, without compromising visual quality.
And on the iPhone, when?
In addition to seeing this technology on the Apple Watch, Apple is also working to bring it to the iphone. Thus, this would be the next device to incorporate a microLED screen. However, the complexity in the manufacturing process of these screens and possible supply problems mean that these innovations may take longer than we expect.
