TechSmartwatchesWaiting for the microLED Apple Watch? You may have to wait a little longerApple was expected to bring microLED to the Apple Watch Ultra imminently, but a new report says Apple’s plans have changedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechSmartwatchesWaiting for the microLED Apple Watch? You may have to wait a little longerApple was expected to bring microLED to the Apple Watch Ultra imminently, but a new report says Apple’s plans have changedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Apple was expected to bring microLED to the Apple Watch Ultra imminently, but a new report says Apple’s plans have changed
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
It looks likeApple’s plans to bring microLED display technology to theApple Watchhave changed.Multiple rumours predicteda move to microLED for the late-2024Apple Watch Ultra, but many industry watchers now say that goal was too ambitious. Apple has now apparently moved the planned launch back to 2025.
It’s important to note that long-term Apple predictions are not the most reliable things: Apple can and does change its plans, sometimes for financial reasons and sometimes because its initial timescales were never carved in stone. Display analystRoss Youngrecently said that the microLEDApple WatchUltra is now on the 2025 release slate, not the 2024 one, and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman now agrees with that.
Why is the Apple Watch getting microLED?
Apple reportedly plans to move all its smaller devices to microLED displays, starting with its most expensive wearable. That’s because the tech is still in its relatively early stages and as a result it’s going to be costly for a while yet.
MicroLED LEDs are roughly 1/100th the size of traditional LEDs, and they offer OLED-style contrast with extreme brightness – something particularly useful for a watch designed to be used in the great outdoors. They also appear to be immune from the screen burn that can affect OLED, and they’re much more energy efficient too. With wearables, that efficiency is even more important than it is in thebest phones: you can’t exactly stick a massive battery in a smartwatch without giving the wearer an arm like a gorilla.
Apple’s starting small with this tech, but the goal is to put it in everything – even Macs. But in the next few years those devices are moving to OLED, not microLED, and it’ll be a relatively long time before we see this cutting-edge display technology make its way into yourMacBook.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
TOPICSappleapple watch
TOPICS
Sky Stream gets a great new trick that unlocks long hidden potentialA Sky Stream puck update gives you a host of new channels
A Sky Stream puck update gives you a host of new channels
If you ever needed proof that cassette players are back, this is itWe Are Rewind has made a portable tape deck so retro it should appear from nowhere in a DeLorean
We Are Rewind has made a portable tape deck so retro it should appear from nowhere in a DeLorean
Apple’s affordable iPad set for major speed boost and Apple IntelligenceIt’s exciting times ahead for the entry-level tablet
It’s exciting times ahead for the entry-level tablet
Apple already sells a device thinner than the rumoured iPhone 17 AirThe slimming world of Apple
The slimming world of Apple
Apple MacBook Pro set for its biggest upgrade in many yearsIt’s great news for Apple fans
It’s great news for Apple fans
Your older Apple Watch may now be obsoleteOlder Apple Watch users may be in for a nasty shock
Older Apple Watch users may be in for a nasty shock
Apple iPhone could get a major camera boost… thanks to SamsungYou’ll just have to wait a while for it to arrive
You’ll just have to wait a while for it to arrive
If the iPhone 17 Pro looks like this, I’ll eat my hat!Surely this is highly unlikely?
Surely this is highly unlikely?
The next iPhone SE could be in for its biggest change yetBut will it simplify or confuse things?
But will it simplify or confuse things?
OLED iPad mini could be coming in 2026, say insidersApple’s smallest iPad could be getting even more portable – and the iPad Airs could get even slimmer too
Apple’s smallest iPad could be getting even more portable – and the iPad Airs could get even slimmer too