Apple Watch with microLED display: How LG may help produce the panels – Times of India

Apple is expected to switch to a microLED display for its upcoming Apple Watch models. Rumours claim that the Cupertino-based tech giant may launch an Apple Watch with a customised microLED display technology in 2025. According to a report by 9to5Mac, industry analyst Ross Young claimed that LG has already started developing “a small production line” for micro-LED displays that will be used by Apple to switch from OLED screens currently used in Apple Watch models. Apple is also reportedly planning to start producing in-house displays for Apple Watch and iPhones.
Apple’s plans to use microLED displays for Apple Watch
Earlier this week, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman explained that Apple is planning to start designing its screens for products like the Apple Watch and iPhone. He mentioned that the company is trying to reduce its dependency on other companies, including Samsung and LG for displays. However, the report added Apple will continue to rely on these South Korean companies for mass production.

The latest report by Ross Young is in line with the previous rumours. Young explains that while switching its products’ display technologies, Apple won’t be involved in the entire process. However, the report claims that Apple will be working closely with LG while it develops the micro-LED display which is expected to be used first in the Apple Watch Ultra.
Apple Watch Ultra (2025): Expected details
The company launched the Apple Watch Ultra along with the latest iPhone 14 models in September 2022. The most-expensive Apple Watch has a 1.92-inch display. The micro-LED display variant of the Apple Watch Ultra is speculated to adopt a larger, 2.1-inch screen, claims analyst Jeff Pu. Moreover, the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra is also rumoured to offer increased brightness compared to the current OLED models.

Importance of microLED displays
The pixels of a microLED display is made up of microscopic LEDs, which offer sharper colour and high contrast for enhanced HDR. These displays are not only expected to support wider viewing angles but are said to even work better under improper lighting conditions. Moreover, micro-LED screens have a reduced chance of screen burn-in, low latency for higher refresh rates and improved efficiency.