Apple Tipped to Use microLED Displays for AR Glasses and Next Generation Apple Watch Ultra

Apple still has plans to include this technology in its flagship smartwatch with a rumoured 2026 launch window.

Written by Shaurya Tomer, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 8 October 2024 13:16 IST

Apple Tipped to Use microLED Displays for AR Glasses and Next Generation Apple Watch Ultra

Photo Credit: Apple

Apple Watch Ultra (pictured above) is its current flagship smartwatch

Highlights

Apple is rumoured to still have plans for using microLED displays
This technology may be used in its AR glasses and Apple Watch Ultra
It was reported to have cancelled microLED project earlier this year

Apple may utilise microLED displays in its purported augmented reality (AR) glasses as well as its next-generation Apple Watch Ultra, according to claims by a tipster on social media. The Cupertino-based tech giant has been long rumoured to be developing microLED screens for use in its devices. While the technology was initially speculated to be used in the Apple Watch Ultra, the move was said to be cancelled and the entire team was laid off due to rising production costs.

Apple microLED Displays

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), tipster @Jukanlosreve suggested that the use of microLED technology is still in Apple's plans. The iPhone maker is speculated to be developing AR glasses that would use these displays and its mass production could begin in 2026.

Apple has not given up on Micro LED technology.

1. They are preparing Micro LED for AR glasses, with mass production expected in 2026.

2. The plan to include Micro LED in the Apple Watch Ultra is also still in place, with a target launch in 2026.
— Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) October 5, 2024

Meanwhile, Apple Watch Ultra is also rumoured to still get microLED displays. As per the tipster, Apple still has plans to include this technology in its flagship smartwatch. It is said to be targeting a 2026 launch window for this product.

In March, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggested that Apple was cutting jobs after winding down its long-running microLED project. In theory, these displays would provide more vibrant visuals and be brighter than Apple's current screens. At the time, Apple was speculated to include these displays in a future version of the Apple Watch, before introducing it in its suite of other products.

Apple Reportedly Abandons Smart Ring Project to Prioritise Watch Sales

As per Gurman, the complexity of the technology, along with the climbing costs of its development, were some of the reasons behind the scraping of the microLED project.

Other In-Development Apple Projects

Apple is also reported to be developing several new products. This includes a HomePod with a touchscreen display which may be powered by an A18 chipset and get support for Apple Intelligence features. Meanwhile, an AI-powered tabletop device with a robotic arm is also speculated to be in the works.

The company is also said to have plans for launching a cheaper version of the Apple Vision Pro — its mixed reality headset. This device would come with toned-down features but at a lower cost.

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Further reading: MicroLED, Apple, Apple Watch Ultra, Apple MicroLED Display

Shaurya Tomer

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Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More