It looks like the Apple Watch’s next big innovation has been delayed big time, according to leaks
That MicroLED Apple Watch could be further away than we thought.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TheApple WatchUltra 2 was a fairly modest upgrade on what was already thebest Apple Watchin the lineup, but as ever, we’re looking to what’s next. Reports have consistently suggested that Apple is planning to roll out microLED displays to multiple product lines, including theiPadandMac, but thatit’d also come to the Apple Watch Ultraand replace the existing OLED panel.
We had originally expected the new displays to arrive on the Ultra lineup in 2025, as analysts such as Ross Young had predicted (thanks,MacRumors), but a new report fromThe Elec(viaMacRumors) suggests the MicroLED Apple Watch is likely to be delayed due to issues with manufacturing costs and production yields. The report said it’s likely to slip past 2026 into 2027, and even that date may be overly optimistic.
It also suggests that the microLED Ultra will move from a 1.93-inch screen to a 2.12-inch one, but the need for high pixel density is causing prices to skyrocket, with simulation yields costing $150 per display: around four times the cost of anOLEDone.
Given the Ultra already costs $799, it seems Apple isn’t comfortable seeing a significant price increase to allow for the microLED display. However, things can change, and this sudden mystery rumor flies in the face of all the messaging from leakers in the past.
Analysis: What is microLED?
Not to be confused with mini LED, which Apple already uses on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch, microLED displays offer better contrast and color reproduction. Experts are often quoted as saying images look as though they’ve been “painted” onto the screen.
A microLED panel would also use less energy, which is important with a device such as the Apple Watch which could do with lasting longer, but it also wouldn’t hurt to have longer-lasting iPhone, iPad, and Mac battery life, either.
The OLED display on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 saw a brightness boost from the original’s 2,000 nits to 3,000 nits, making itthe best screen on an Apple Watch by far.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
TheApple Watch Series 9also saw an increase to 2,000 nits, showing Apple is looking to improve its displays across the board.
You might also like…
Lloyd Coombes is a freelance tech and fitness writer for TechRadar. He’s an expert in all things Apple as well as Computer and Gaming tech, with previous works published on TopTenReviews, Space.com, and Live Science. You’ll find him regularly testing the latest MacBook or iPhone, but he spends most of his time writing about video games atDexerto.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 could fix a major smart ring flaw according to patent
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 review: the cheapest fitness tracker you should consider buying
Quordle today – hints and answers for Saturday, November 9 (game #1020)
