The much-anticipated Apple Watch Ultra of 2026 is gearing up to be a game-changer, featuring a groundbreaking shift from OLED to micro-LED technology.
While we mentioned in our July report that it's indeed coming with a micro-LED display, we haven't discussed if it will be bigger-or pricier than its previous model.
2026 Apple Watch Ultra to Embrace Micro-LED Technology
(Photo : Apple)
Earlier, there have been rumors pointing out that the 2026 Apple Watch Ultra will come with a micro-LED display. However, it was not previously mentioned that it will be bigger and more expensive than its predecessor.
Apple's display evolution has traversed IPS LCD with traditional backlighting, moved on to IPS LCD with miniLED backlighting for iPads and MacBooks, and embraced OLED, initially in the Apple Watch and later in iPhones.
According to 9to5Mac, the next frontier is micro-LED, a revolutionary technology comprising microscopic LED versions. It also offers enhanced pixel elements.
While the Cupertino firm is poised to adopt micro-LED across its devices eventually, the Apple Watch is slated to lead the way in 2026.
Related Article: Apple Watch Ultra 2: New, Updated Diving Tools Help Bring More Features for Users
Inconsistencies in Micro-LED Apple Watch's Debut
Speculations on the debut of the micro-LED Apple Watch have seen several revisions, with initial predictions for 2024 evolving to "2025 or later."
The latest consensus points towards 2026 as the favored launch year. Challenges in manufacturing, driven by the intricacies of micro-LED components, contribute to delays, as acknowledged by industry experts.
Size Matters: Apple Watch Ultra's Enhanced Dimensions
The forthcoming Apple Watch Ultra is expected to boast a larger display, specifically 2.12 inches compared to the current 1.91 inches. While the numerical increase might seem modest, an 11% boost in the diagonal size translates to a visually impactful expansion in the overall screen area. This enhancement promises a more immersive and engaging user experience.
Heavier Price Tag For 2026 Apple Smartwatch
TrendForce's Senior Research Vice President, Eric Chiou, sheds light on the financial aspect of this technological leap. The transition to micro-LED entails a cost surge, estimated to be 2.5 to 3 times higher than the existing OLED screens.
With a potential cost increase of around $80, Apple is likely to explore avenues to balance this surge, potentially through a retail price adjustment. To justify a measured increase, the company might leverage its cutting-edge display technology to upcoming smart wearable.
Since we're still two years away from seeing the most awaited Apple Watch Ultra, you can check the latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the meantime.
As per Engadget's report, S9 SIP chip-equipped smartwatch has a double tap feature on top of other features such as Siri functionality and Night Mode.
The good news about this is that you can snag it for as low as $699. It's not all about the 6% discount coupon since it is coupled with an extra $50 discount upon checkout.
If you have doubts about its durability, worry not since YouTube has proven that it is sturdy enough to withstand average drops.
In a previous durability test, TechRax dropped the Apple Watch Ultra from a height of 1.2 meters. Other tests also witnessed the smartwatch getting hammered repetitively. It only sustained damage when the table where it was put was damaged.
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