Apple renounces a revolutionary innovation for the Apple Watch Ultra

2024-03-24 13:00:17

After introducing OLED on the Apple Watch then on the iPhone and soon on the iPad Pro, Apple seemed ready to take a new technological step with microLED for the Apple Watch Ultra. However, a turnaround marks the end of this ambitious project, casting doubt on the future of microLED at Apple.

An unexpected about-face

In March, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo announced Apple’s cancellation of microLED Apple Watch plans, a claim quickly disputed by a later report. However, Mark Gurman de Bloomberg confirms the termination of this project, which strangely coincides with the supposed abandonment of the Apple car project.

Control of the manufacturing process : Apple, known for its desire to produce as many of its components as possible internally, sees microLED as an opportunity to optimize its products.
Advantages of microLED : This promising technology offers reduced energy consumption, more faithful color reproduction and the possibility of designing thinner devices.

The promises of microLED

MicroLED, made up of millions of microscopic light-emitting diodes, represents a major advancement over OLED, with better energy efficiency and superior display quality. Apple planned to roll out the technology across its entire product line, from the Apple Watch to iPhones and Macs.

Obstacles on the road to innovation

The first sign of trouble came when manufacturing partners announced the loss of contracts related to microLED projects, suggesting problems in setting up mass production. Although the Apple Vision Pro already uses microLED for its displays, Gurman’s report suggests that any new products using the technology could be years away.

Search for new suppliers : Apple is currently exploring new avenues of suppliers and processes for microLED, a sign that the company has not completely abandoned this technology.
An uncertain future : Although microLED promises a revolution in the display quality of Apple products, its widespread adoption now seems more distant.

A halt, but not the end

The cancellation of the microLED Apple Watch Ultra project marks a turning point for Apple, which must review its technological ambitions. However, the company’s quest for innovation is not over. With the Apple Vision Pro as a prelude, microLED could still find its place in Apple’s future product ecosystem, even if it may take longer than expected.

Perseverance in innovation : Despite the challenges, Apple continues to explore the potential of microLED to reinvent the display of its products.
Waiting for further progress : Aficionados of the Apple brand will have to wait before seeing the microLED illuminate the screen of their favorite devices.