In a bid to exert greater control over display supply and reduce reliance on partners like Samsung, Apple has made substantial investments in microLED technology. Insider sources reveal that Apple’s primary objective is to bring microLED displays to its flagship iPhone, which has been a consistent revenue powerhouse for the company.
To achieve this goal, Apple has embarked on an extensive and secretive self-manufacturing venture. Reports suggest that the company has poured at least $1 billion into research and development, as well as microLED samples, over the past decade. This operation is being conducted covertly in the Longtan District of Taoyuan, a city in northern Taiwan.
Apple faces numerous challenges on the path to producing microLED panels in-house.
The chips used in these displays are approximately 100 times smaller than those found in LED lighting products. To overcome these hurdles, Apple has formed strategic partnerships with key suppliers such as ams-Osram for microLED parts, LG for substrates, and TSMC for wafers.
Notably, the iPhone maker has not only designed the driver integrated circuits that will be integral to microLED panels but has also reportedly designed certain production equipment to enhance the mass transfer process. Despite deploying an extensive research and development team focused on displays across the United States, Japan, and Taiwan, Apple is projected to require a few more years before unveiling the first product featuring microLED technology.
The earliest anticipated timeline for such a release is in 2025. Given the intricacies associated with producing larger microLED displays, industry speculation suggests that the Apple Watch Ultra may be the initial device to showcase this advanced technology. While Nikkei has not disclosed specific details regarding the cost of these displays, it is likely to be a while before microLED technology makes its way to the standard iPhone lineup.
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