Apple Scraps Development of Micro-LED Apple Watch Models due to High Costs and Complexity: Report

Apple has ceased working on developing Apple Watch models featuring proprietary micro-LED screens, as reported by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman. The decision was made due to the high cost and complexity involved in the development of these screens.

According to Gurman's report, Apple has disbanded the internal team responsible for the microLED screen project. The technology, which uses individual inorganic LEDs for each pixel, proved to be costly to mass-produce. Despite the initial in-house design and production efforts by Apple, the company had to seek collaboration with external partners for large-scale production. Gurman mentions that the decision to halt the project will result in the layoff of "a few dozen" employees.

The microLED screens were originally intended for use in upscale Apple Watch models, replacing the existing OLED screens. Apple had plans to ultimately incorporate these advanced displays into other products like iPhones and Macs. Gurman indicates that Apple still aims to eventually introduce microLED displays in additional products beyond the Apple Watch, but the company is exploring ways to streamline the production process. Sources cited by Gurman suggest that it may take some time before the development of microLED screens resumes.

In his initial 2018 report, Gurman revealed Apple's intentions to leverage micro-LED technology in its mobile devices as part of a strategy to reduce reliance on suppliers like Samsung and LG. MicroLED screens, known for their individual LED-per-pixel configuration, offer enhanced brightness compared to OLED panels.

Originally slated for a 2020 release, the first Apple Watches featuring microLED screens faced delays. Gurman reported in January 2023 that the launch was pushed back to late 2024, with subsequent reports suggesting further postponements to 2026 due to production challenges.

Gurman notes that Apple's decision to abandon microLED screen development coincided with the company's decision to abandon its autonomous vehicle project. Apple had invested over $10 billion in developing its own electric vehicle since 2014.