Although Apple has yet to complete its transition from LCD to OLED displays, it seems that the next logical step for the company is for microLED screens.
Key supplier Foxconn recent announced that it expects to begin mass production of the technology in late 2025. The announcement also confirmed Foxconn’s relationship with Porotech for microLED to be used in future augmented reality headsets.
The transition to microLED would afford Apple even brighter displays with greater color accuracy, longevity, and power efficiency, and without the burn-in weakness of OLED. The company was expected to begin this move with a microLED Apple Watch, but later cancelled (or, likely, postponed) this plan as the tech wasn’t sufficiently advanced.
Per Foxconn’s announcement:
“Leveraging Porotech’s cutting-edge gallium nitride (GaN) technology and Foxconn’s vertically integrated services, from MicroLED wafer processing to packaging and optical modules, the collaboration aims to meet the demands for micro-display chips and AR glasses production. Together, they will provide high-performance, high-brightness, compact, and lightweight AR display solutions to advance global AR and micro-display technology development […]”
It’s been noted that Foxconn plans to establish a microLED wafer processing production line in Taichung, with mass production slated to begin in Q4 2025. This, in turn, would indicate that the first products incorporating the tech launching in Q1 2026.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via 9to5Mac