Apple is taking its first steps into the future of display technology, even as its current OLED screens are still in use. The company's iPhones currently rely on OLED displays from Samsung, but despite optimization efforts, issues like screen burn-in and pixel defects persist. Apple has long been interested in microLED technology, and its commitment to this next-generation display solution remains strong.
Although the iPhone with an OLED screen was just released, Apple isn’t stopping there. Reports suggest that the company is actively developing a new generation of LED display technology—microLED—which is expected to eventually replace OLED in the coming years. This technology promises significant improvements in brightness, color accuracy, and energy efficiency, making it a highly attractive option for future devices.
A recent report from Taiwanese media DigiTimes suggested some uncertainty around Apple’s microLED plans. It mentioned that the company had reduced its R&D team in Taiwan, likely due to ongoing manufacturing challenges. However, Apple has already conducted small-scale pilot tests of microLED products in Taoyuan earlier this year. These tests are seen as important steps toward eventual mass production.
The decision to keep the R&D team in Taiwan was partly strategic. It allows closer collaboration with panel manufacturers, which could speed up the development process. However, delays in the transfer of microLED chips onto the receiving substrate have slowed progress, making mass production difficult in the near term. As a result, Apple has scaled back its microLED R&D activities in Longtan, northern Taiwan.
Some sources suggest that the slow development of transfer technology may delay the commercialization of microLED panels, potentially leading Apple to reevaluate its R&D strategy. Others believe the reduction in team size is due to the completion of initial work, with U.S.-based teams now taking over for more advanced research.
Despite these changes, the overall microLED team hasn't been disbanded. Instead, it has been restructured, indicating that Apple is working closely with TSMC to address key manufacturing challenges. For instance, Apple is collaborating with TSMC on silicon-based backplane technology to improve the application of microLED chips.
Apple’s interest in microLED dates back to 2014, when it acquired LuxVue, a company specializing in this field. It’s likely that microLED will first appear in the Apple Watch before being introduced to iPhones. Rumors even suggest that the Apple Watch Series 3 was originally planned to feature microLED, but technical and production hurdles delayed the rollout. A microLED-equipped Apple Watch is expected in the near future.
Currently, OLED screens are mainly supplied by Samsung. Even after optimization, problems like screen lines and burn-in continue to affect user experience. Given this, Apple is motivated to reduce its reliance on Samsung, gain more control over supply chain decisions, and ultimately provide a better display experience for its customers. Its pursuit of microLED technology shows no sign of slowing down.
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