Apple Working With TSMC to Develop MicroLED Panels for Future Apple Watch and Augmented Reality Wearable Device

[MacRumors]

Apple has plans in place to develop MicroLED panels for both small-size and large-size devices, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) providing support for producing smaller form factor applications, which could include future Apple Watch models and AR wearables, according to DigiTimes senior analyst Luke Lin.

Apple is working with TSMC to develop micro LED panels on silicon-based backplanes for use in the Apple Watch and an augmented reality (AR) wearable device, Lin noted.

MicroLED panels use different light-emitting compounds than the current OLED displays and should help to make future devices slimmer, brighter, and less power-hungry. Citing sources in the upstream supply chain, Lin claims Apple is preparing two sizes of MicroLED panel for small devices. They are said to include a 1.3 to 1.4-inch panel for future Apple Watch iterations and a 0.7 to 0.8-inch panel for an AR wearable device, potentially AR glasses.

Lin also believes Apple is working on developing large-size MicroLED panels on TFT-based backplates for use in products much larger than those in its current MacBook lineup, although he offered no specifics on what they might be.

Based on Lin's sources, the MicroLED panel destined for a future Apple Watch may enter mass production in the second half on 2018 or in 2019, which would suggest its use in Series 4 or 5 models. The large-size panel could see production in 2019 or later, while the panel for the AR device is yet to have a production schedule, according to the analyst.

The cost of the new MicroLED panels are said to be 400-600 percent higher than OLED panels used in the current Apple Watch. As such, Lin believes Apple will initially only use the MicroLED panel in future "top-of-the-line" versions of Apple Watch, although whether that refers specifically to iterations of the Apple Watch Edition remains unclear.

Apple is understood to own a manufacturing facility in Santa Clara, California, where it is designing and producing test samples of its own MicroLED displays, with a view to eventually replacing largely Samsung-made OLED displays currently used across its product range.

Apple's interest in the technology was revealed in its acquisition of MicroLED firm LuxVue back in 2014 and previous reports have also claimed Apple will introduce MicroLED technology in the Apple Watch first, with some rumors pointing to that happening as soon as this year.

However, Bloomberg believes that it will likely be a few years before Apple's MicroLED displays will appear in shipping products - perhaps two years for the Apple Watch and three to five years for the iPhone.

Article Link: Apple Working With TSMC to Develop MicroLED Panels for Future Apple Watch and Augmented Reality Wearable Device

 

[BvizioN]

I'm just so curious to see how much better this is compare to OLED.

 

[fokmik]

Since oled has burn-in issue...on glasses any tiny issue of that matter is seen..so microLED is the future for this and for anything, at least for the upcoming 20 years
[doublepost=1522751786][/doublepost]

I'm just so curious to see how much better this is compare to OLED.

it has no cons from oled or lcd...only pros

 

[Nozuka]

will be interesting to see, who can bring this to production first, seeing as others like samsung and sony are also working on this.
but samsung seems to be more interested in the TV market for now, since they obviously want to keep selling their OLED panels for smaller devices.

 

[kevmclane]

Lin also believes Apple is working on developing large-size MicroLED panels on TFT-based backplates for use in products much larger than those in its current MacBook lineup, although he offered no specifics on what they might be.

Actual Apple TV confirmed?

 

[whichweather]

If Apple can even produce a few displays, they will add this to their top of the line watches. When people are willing to spend 10k for a gilded electronic product, then they will pay for having the newest of the newest. Great way for Apple to learn how to produce these displays.

 

[fokmik]

Actual Apple TV confirmed?

" larger than those in its current MacBook lineup" this can means imacs or upcoming apple monitors...but i hope for Apple TV also

 

[DNichter]

Looking forward to it. Very happy with their existing panels, but always room for improvement.

 

[kmanmx]

I'm just so curious to see how much better this is compare to OLED.

Much. It does not rely on inorganic compounds which means several things:

1) No burn in issues
2) No life span issues (blue OLED pixels have a shorter life than red/green, which is an issue for obvious reasons)
3) No colour or brightness uniformity issues. There will be very slight variances in per-LED pixel brightness, but each individual microscopic LED will be individually controllable. In theory you could calibrate each LED with a +/- voltage offset to get perfect brightness and color uniforminity. In reality it will probably be completely unnecessary, as typical monitors offer 30% brightness differences across the panel, whereas each LED in a MicroLED display would have low single digit brightness variation.
4) You can go MUCH brighter with MicroLED. Think 5000 nits vs 1000 nits with OLED.
5) Resolution and panel size is just a function of the size of your MicroLED printing process. If you have a 10 meter printer, you can effectively print a single 10 meter screen. Of course the larger you go the more likely you are to print a dead pixel or duff circuitry, so there may still realistically be yield issues when you get too big.

However it is important to note MicroLED is not just one technology, it is an umberlla that encompasses many different display technologies, though all revolve around the core concept of microscopic inorganic LEDs. However, the MicroLED technology Apple are developing is very different to that being developed by Samsung, which is very different to what is being developed by Oculus..etc etc. To the end consumer they should all appear basically the same in terms of image quality, but look at the technologies by each manufacturer under the microscope and you would see they are all very different. It will be interesting to see which technology process is superior, in terms of cost, scalability, simplicity etc. It is similar in vain to how the fabrication process technologies for CPU's and SOC's varies quite significantly between TSMC, Global Foundries, Intel etc.

 

[44267547]

I'm just so curious to see how much better this is compare to OLED.

These are some of the core Benefits with Micro-Led advancements over OLED: Once Micro LED reaches production on a mass level, I think it will be fairly significant.

• It can greatly improve battery power.
• It can eliminate the need for backlighting unlike traditional LCDs.
• It will allow for higher-resolution screens with improved color gamut than other display technology.
• Micro-LED provide two/three times the brightness of their OLED counterparts under the same power consumption.

 

[tdar]

The cost of the new MicroLED panels are said to be 400-600 percent higher than OLED panels used in the current Apple Watch. As such, Lin believes Apple will initially only use the MicroLED panel in future "top-of-the-line" versions of Apple Watch, although whether that refers specifically to iterations of the Apple Watch Edition remains unclear.

400 to 600% more? Apple needs to control this desire to become focused on being a luxury goods provider. I am starting to become concerned that Apple management is making a classic mistake. You look at YOUR paycheck and decide that everyone's looks like yours. This is a form of selection bias, where you become to believe that everyone is just like you. An Apple watch at +600% would be pushing $3000.00. For a smart watch that they expect you to replace every year? I don't see much of a market for that.

 

[maflynn]

Actual Apple TV confirmed?

I see zero benefit from apple rolling out an actual Television set at this point. I think the market has changed enough, that instead of supplying a device like a TV, they're better off providing content.

Margins on TVs are razor thin, and Apple has a reputation of being over-priced, so its to see them making a dent in that product category.

 

[SuprUsrStan]

Micro LED Macbook Pro? Bring it. My wallet is ready.

 

[err404]

Since oled has burn-in issue...on glasses any tiny issue of that matter is seen..so microLED is the future for this and for anything, at least for the upcoming 20 years
[doublepost=1522751786][/doublepost]
it has no cons from oled or lcd...only pros

Yes, but just like OLED, it will take some time to reach its potential. It took a while for OLED to look as good as a high quality LED. I really don’t expect the initial MicroLED displays to be a visual improvement over the current state of OLED. As a result, they may be a hard sell to consumers. Especially at a higher price point.

 

[Glideslope]

I'm just so curious to see how much better this is compare to OLED.

It’s Magical.

 

[kemal]

Is this the same company that can’t come up with a new Mac mini?

 

[Piggie]

400 to 600% more? Apple needs to control this desire to become focused on being a luxury goods provider. I am starting to become concerned that Apple management is making a classic mistake. You look at YOUR paycheck and decide that everyone's looks like yours. This is a form of selection bias, where you become to believe that everyone is just like you. An Apple watch at +600% would be pushing $3000.00. For a smart watch that they expect you to replace every year? I don't see much of a market for that.

400% - 600% more for the SCREEN. Nothing else.

If the screen in a $600 product costs $10 and the new screen is $60, that's just $50 difference on the $600 product.
You could if you wanted just absorb that into the same current retail cost, or come up with any imaginary premium to slap on top of the $600 product.

Cost of the parts and cost of the product to the public often have very little correlation.
The price to the public is simply the largest amount the market will bear, irrespective of how much it cost you to make it.

 

[Biggey]

400 to 600% more? Apple needs to control this desire to become focused on being a luxury goods provider. I am starting to become concerned that Apple management is making a classic mistake. You look at YOUR paycheck and decide that everyone's looks like yours. This is a form of selection bias, where you become to believe that everyone is just like you. An Apple watch at +600% would be pushing $3000.00. For a smart watch that they expect you to replace every year? I don't see much of a market for that.

They aren't talking about the entire cost of the watch increasing by 400-600%, just the display.

Inevitably this would likely be seen by the customer, but it would not be anywhere near as dramatic as you are saying. And that is assuming they aren't able to reduce cost elsewhere through manufacturing efficiencies.

 

[mtneer]

Interesting that Apple is reaching out to their semiconductor fab supplier to develop their next display - as opposed to a company more traditionally associated with display technologies such as Sharp, Japan Display, Samsung or LG.

 

[BvizioN]

It’s Magical.

Thanks for your typical "in-depth" info.

 

[RogerWilco]

It just won't die, the hoary "we cracked it" TV rumor appears yet again, taking its place right next to the car and the transdermal glucose sensor rumors.
[doublepost=1522758583][/doublepost]

Since oled has burn-in issue

Yes, and so does any LED driven as hard as these tiny microleds. LEDs of all types age much faster at high temperature and the consequence is their light output decreases -- aka "burn in". The smaller the LED, the hotter it becomes because heat cannot be easily dissipated.

 

[Keirasplace]

400 to 600% more? Apple needs to control this desire to become focused on being a luxury goods provider. I am starting to become concerned that Apple management is making a classic mistake. You look at YOUR paycheck and decide that everyone's looks like yours. This is a form of selection bias, where you become to believe that everyone is just like you. An Apple watch at +600% would be pushing $3000.00. For a smart watch that they expect you to replace every year? I don't see much of a market for that.

You're doing weird jump in logics there buddy.
The panel is 4-6 times more, how much do you think the current panel cost in Apple watches.
It is estimated to be 25 bucks, so if it costs 4-6 times, that's 100-150 bucks more.

So, it's probable that they would not put that tech initially in their low end watches.
They'd likely initially have an option in their mid range watches , Stainless steel at +150$ more than now.

When the tech is more mature and yields increase, price of panels decrease and the tech can move down to the Aluminum watches.
[doublepost=1522758923][/doublepost]

Yes, but just like OLED, it will take some time to reach its potential. It took a while for OLED to look as good as a high quality LED. I really don’t expect the initial MicroLED displays to be a visual improvement over the current state of OLED. As a result, they may be a hard sell to consumers. Especially at a higher price point.

They'll likely last longer (for the same nits) and it takes less space than any other display tech,
so they could make thinner watches or add much more features in the same case (including more battery).
The display is the major power user.

The visual improvement would be a potentially immense dynamic range, thousands of nits which makes it perfectly suited to a hdr interface.

 

[Glideslope]

Thanks for your typical "in-depth" info.

Your welcome . It’s refreshing to read such complentary commenting.

 

[Mydel]

BIG question is if there will bring back glowing apple on the laptops!! Now they complain about the thickness although I really dont buy that argument.

 

[Glideslope]

Interesting that Apple is reaching out to their semiconductor fab supplier to develop their next display - as opposed to a company more traditionally associated with display technologies such as Sharp, Japan Display, Samsung or LG.

I think one needs to look at the TSMC component here as “near term AW display.” I think JD will be a supplier down the road. At least I’m hoping. Apple and JD have been working on this for over 5 years. It’s simply about how much Apple will continue to invest. Which is more beneficial to margins? Building up JD’s Fab or funding LG to do it.

I can’t see TSMC doing much more for the near term.