The first Apple Watch with a microLED display will be launched in spring 2025, according to display analyst Ross Young.
The otherwise accurate analyst claimedthat an Apple Watch with a microLED display will be launched in spring 2025. Production of the panels for the device is scheduled to begin in late 2024. Young's timeline differs from that of analyst Jeff Pu, who recently claimedthat Apple would launch an Apple Watch with a microLED display in 2024. Young's spring 2025 timeline is questionable, as Apple has a long history of introducing updated Apple Watch models in the fall alongside new iPhones, and there's nothing to suggest the company will deviate from that timeline in the next two years. But it could also be that Apple will unveil an Apple Watch with microLED technology in fall 2024 and ship it in spring 2025 when the panel technology is ready.
The Apple Watch Ultra is the perfect candidate for microLED
Alternatively, Young's timeline could be a little off and Apple is instead planning to unveil the microLED Apple Watch in fall 2025, which would make more sense in terms of timing. Young did not provide any details on the size of the display. Pu's previous report suggested it would measure 2.1 inches diagonally, suggesting the display is likely intended for a future version of the Apple Watch Ultra. The current Apple Watch Ultra, unveiled in September last year, has a 1.92-inch display, making it larger than the 1.77-inch display on the Series 8. microLED is a nascent technology that display makers are working to perfect, so it's only logical that this type of display would be developed for the more expensive Apple Watch first.
What makes microLED technology so special?
microLED technology features microscopic LEDs that form pixels and provide more accurate colors, a high contrast ratio for improved HDR and viewing in suboptimal lighting conditions, support for wider viewing angles, a lower risk of screen burn-in over time compared to technologies like OLED, fast response times and low latency to support higher frame rates, and lower power consumption for greater efficiency. Apple is likely still in the early stages of developing a microLED Apple Watch, so the timeline could shift over the course of the next year. Young often provides accurate information thanks to his connections in the display industry, but sometimes he gets his timing off as Apple's plans evolve. But most importantly, this is further confirmation that Apple is indeed pursuing microLED for future Apple Watch models. (Photo by ms_pics_and_more / Bigstockphoto)
