What Display Daily thinks: Apple needed to get ahead of the curve on displays and it didn’t. The Vision Pro is a mess of a strategy for microdisplays where only people concerned about Apple’s share price can show any compassion. And Samsung and Chinese phone makers are going to stay ahead of the curve on foldables. Unless Apple comes up with something whacky, like the Vision Pro, and claims to have recreated folding like it claimed to have reinvented eyesight.
Sadly, we cannot look to Apple to lead to the MicroLED revolution, which has yet to find a true champion, and a true calling. I am guessing the automotive industry will take that role at some point. When it comes to the display industry’s main champion, the smartphone, Apple may not be the leader. Unfortunately, none of its competitors, and Google’s Android, have yet to breakthrough on creating a comparative software infrastructure.
The real winner is everyone and no one. Everyone has a shot at foldables and MicroLED, and no one can really take the lead to the extent that the profits are going to be there to create a big bang in the market. Future display technologies are going to be a grind, which is fun for those of us who get to observe and comment. Nothing makes for compelling entertainment than conflict and drama. The Vision Pro is our comedy. Too soon?
What’s the Deal With Apple’s MicroLED and Fodlables Plans?
According to The Elec, Apple is considering the launch of a foldable device, speculated to be in the late 7-inch to early 8-inch range, with an anticipated release window of 2026-2027. This device might mark Apple’s first foray into foldable technology, potentially replacing the 8.3-inch iPad mini. However, with ongoing development of OLED technology for the iPad mini, it appears that Apple has yet to finalize the specifications and nature of the foldable device.
Samsung Display and LG Display have reportedly provided Apple with samples of foldable panels, indicating a competitive edge for Samsung Display due to its experience in mass-producing panels for Samsung Electronics’ foldable phones since 2019. Despite this, there’s speculation that both Samsung Display and LG Display could be involved in the development and mass production of foldable panels for Apple, given the discussions on key components like Ultrathin Glass (UTG) and hinge concepts.
In addition to the foldable device, Apple is also exploring the introduction of a MicroLED display for the Apple Watch, targeted for the top Ultra model among its lineup. This transition aims to leverage MicroLED’s advantages in lifespan, luminance, and power consumption over OLED. However, the shift to MicroLED technology faces challenges, notably the high manufacturing costs estimated at $150 for a 2-inch display, significantly above the current cost for OLED displays. This cost barrier raises concerns about the pricing of future MicroLED Apple Watches, potentially pushing them into a higher price bracket compared to current models.
Apple’s plans include the development of a 20.25-inch foldable product, expected to follow the release of the late 7-inch to early 8-inch foldable device and an OLED MacBook. The company’s interest in evolving its product lineup is also evident in the anticipation of changes to the iPhone by 2027, aligning with significant anniversaries of the iPhone’s launch.
Despite the speculative nature of these developments, Apple’s engagement with leading display manufacturers and the exploration of cutting-edge technologies like MicroLED signal a continued commitment to leading the premium device market. It just seems a little out of touch with the times.
