Apple to Make Custom Displays In-House, Starting With MicroLED for Apple Watch Ultra in 2024

[MacRumors]

Starting in 2024, Apple plans to use custom displays that it designs in-house for mobile devices like the iPhone and Apple Watch, reports Bloomberg. The shift to its own displays will allow Apple to rely less on display partners that include Samsung and LG.

Apple's transition will begin with the high-end Apple Watch Ultra at the end of 2024, with the device set to adopt microLED display technology. After introducing microLED displays in the Apple Watch, Apple will expand them to the iPhone and other devices. The displays will likely be manufactured by an outside supplier, but designed by Apple.

According to Bloomberg, Apple is making a "sweeping effort" to make more of its own components for iPhones, iPads, and Macs, so that it does not need to work with as many third-party component suppliers. Apple is now creating its own A-series and M-series chips for iPhones, iPads, and Macs, and it is also working on modem chips and other wireless chips that will let it end its relationships with suppliers like Qualcomm and Broadcom.

Apple is already testing microLED displays for the Apple Watch, and the technology will bring brighter and more vibrant colors, along with improved viewing angles. Bloomberg says that the displays "make content appear like it's painted on top of the glass."

The company initially planned to swap to microLED displays as early as 2020, but there were technical challenges to overcome. Apple also planned to use microLED for larger displays, but for cost reasons, decided to focus first on the Apple Watch. Apple has spent several billion dollars developing display technology, and the transition is said to be one of Apple's most "critical projects."

Bloomberg warns that the 2024 target date could potentially slip to 2025, or if there continue to be production difficulties, a limited supply of the new devices could be offered to begin with. There will be an Apple Watch refresh in 2023, but with few new features.

Article Link: Apple to Make Custom Displays In-House, Starting With MicroLED for Apple Watch Ultra in 2024

 

[BorisDG]

microLED is the future. Can't wait to replace the OLED with all it's flaws.

 

[Mizouse]

MicroLED? Take my money!

 

[munpip214]

Wow this is huge for apple. Not so great for Samsung or Lg but competition is good!

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

One step closer! I’m glad Apple is transitioning pretty much everything In-House. A huge win for Apple!

 

[killawat]

Wow pivoting away from Samsung / Japan Display for something as big as the iPhone. Don't think that was on my bingo card.

 

[killawat]

Displays are also one of the most expensive components on the iPhone by a wide margin. Reducing the cost would allow them to extract even more profit from each unit (because we know Apple wont reduce the price).

 

[flashflood101]

Apple will struggle to produce displays. This won't happen in the next five years.

 

[siddavis]

Interesting. I’m honestly not sure what to think though. My gut tells me they should stick to core competencies, but hey, if they can pull it off, go get em.

 

[ThaGoochiestMane]

Just think of Apple's margins after removing all 3rd party suppliers from their lineups.

At that point the only thing standing between shareholders and higher returns are all those pesky, salaried employees.

 

[BrownyQ]

I suppose I'm extremely behind the times on this one but... ELI5 the differences between microLED and OLED?

 

[ThaGoochiestMane]

Displays are also one of the most expensive components on the iPhone by a wide margin. Reducing the cost would allow them to extract even more profit from each unit (because we know Apple wont reduce the price).

Exactly.

I love how Apple is all into penny-pinching when it comes to their shareholders, with zero regard for their customers whom they're penny-pinching.

 

[DocMultimedia]

In 2024. Maybe 2025. Or perhaps I'll change my guess and say 2026. Gotta love writing for news organizations. Say whatever, get a click, write next blurb.

I believe late 2025.

 

[MICHAELSD]

I've wondered why it took them so long to produce display components in-house, as it would reduce reliance on suppliers while not giving companies like Samsung a competitive advantage.

Also, it goes without saying: PWM-free.

 

[Someyoungguy]

Apple will struggle to produce displays. This won't happen in the next five years.

This of their moon shot, not some car.

 

[XXPP]

nothing new. all current iPhone and Mac displays are designed by Apple and manufactured by an outside supplier.
OLED displays for iPhones are produced by the biggest competitors - LG and Samsung. This is only possible because the technology belongs to Apple.

 

[tongxinshe]

Now Apple is really doomed! It keeps pissing off companies backed by NSA, first Intel, now Samsung. NSA will teach Apple who truly holds on to more advanced technologies!
You don’t believe it? Go check the annual performance improvements of Apple and Intel’s chips before and after Apple’s announcement of its M1 chip, which directly competes with Intel.

 

[jz0309]

so who would be manufacturing those? is there a TSMC equivalent in the display world? not that I know of ...

 

[Surf Monkey]

Classic Apple play. First the watch. Then the phone. Then the iPad. Then laptops. Then desktops and finally… the living room. Apple Screen. It’s coming.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Classic Apple play. First the watch. Then the phone. Then the iPad. Then laptops. Then desktops and finally… the living room. Apple Screen. It’s coming.

The problem with TV's is that the margins have become razor-thin to be competitive.

An Apple TV would look and function amazingly, but also be comparatively expensive.

 

[Doomtomb]

Apple plans to use custom displays that it designs in-house...

The displays will likely be manufactured by an outside supplier, but designed by Apple.

"In-house" but yet still reliant on outside manufacturers. This changes nothing.

 

[HiVolt]

OMG, Apple will actually make/manufacture something?

Hell will freeze if that happens.

I still don't see clarity in that article though. it says Apple will design it in-house. Apple designs a lot of stuff in-house. Then someone else makes it.

 

[mdriftmeyer]

Apple holds the lion's share of MicroLED patents, globally. Of course they're going to develop their own panels.

 

[mdriftmeyer]

"In-house" but yet still reliant on outside manufacturers. This changes nothing.

Manufactured in-house to exacting specs for thorough testing, then sourced out for mass production, matching Apple's specs. We know if they are going to produce millions of panels you supply the company like LG with your workflow and equipment to replicate the panels.

Of course, if Apple were to develop a 3D-Printer workflow that could do it robotically in a plant at a lower cost they will do that.

 

[Hyperchaotic]

Exactly.

I love how Apple is all into penny-pinching when it comes to their shareholders, with zero regard for their customers whom they're penny-pinching.

Like most for-profit companies in anything from tech to clothing, etc. I've worked for a number of companies and they'd all work hard to save even pennies on the BOM if it was mass market. Apple always gets critized for various business practices but in reality they're a typical company and in many cases follow typical business practices. What sets them aside is their success in high end markets and the special media coverage they always get.