Apple Supplier Confirms Unexpected Cancellation of MicroLED Watch Ultra, Kuo Says

Joseph Henry, Tech Times 01 March 2024, 10:03 am

In the wake of reports speculating the cancellation of the Apple Watch Ultra featuring micro LED technology, renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo commented on Apple's decision to abandon its micro-LED initiatives.

Kuo provides insights into the reasons behind this strategic shift and unveils critical details about Apple's supplier, ams Osram.

Apple Might Have Just Canceled MicroLED Watch Ultra

(Photo : Sayan Majhi from Unsplash)
We might not see the Apple Watch Ultra with a microLED display anytime soon, according to tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. There are reasons why the company might have resorted to the decision.

According to MacRumors' findings, Kuo's analysis suggests a significant shift in Apple's approach to micro LED technology, as the company has reportedly terminated its micro-LED development projects, leading to substantial layoffs within its micro-LED development team.

This decision marks the cessation of efforts beyond the speculated Apple Watch Ultra model, indicating a broader reevaluation of micro LED integration across Apple's product lineup.

Apple Micro LED update:

1. My latest survey indicates that Apple has canceled the Micro LED Apple Watch projects because Apple thinks that Micro LED can’t add significant value to this product, and the production costs are too high to make it economically viable.

2. Apple has…
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) March 1, 2024

"My latest investigation indicates that Apple has canceled the development plan for the Micro LED Apple Watch. The reason is that Apple believes that Micro LED cannot significantly increase the added value of the product, and the production cost is too high, making it uneconomical to invest," Kuo wrote on Twitter/X.

Contradictions in Reporting

While Kuo points to ams Osram's purported cancellation of its contract with Apple, industry reports suggest a conflicting narrative, with ams Osram indicating an undisclosed client's cancellation, thereby raising questions about the accuracy of Kuo's assertions.

Moreover, Kuo's characterization of the cancellation as a setback for Apple contrasts with the significant investments made by ams Osram in anticipation of servicing Apple's micro LED requirements.

Micro LED's Potential and Drawbacks

Initially hailed as a transformative display technology, micro LED offers several advantages over conventional OLED displays, including enhanced thinness, lower power consumption, and superior outdoor visibility. Additionally, micro LED panels can be utilized on curved or foldable surfaces, promising innovation in future Apple devices.

Implications and Comparisons

Apple's decision to halt micro LED development echoes its previous termination of the Apple Car project, albeit on a smaller scale.

While the micro LED endeavor hasn't spanned a decade like the Apple Car initiative, the iPhone maker's investment in time and resources highlights the challenges encountered in realizing the potential of micro LED technology, per Apple Insider.

Speaking of the long-rumored Apple Car, it's been a while since we heard any news about this EV. Right now, we now know where this is headed and it seems that Apple is not yet ready to jump to the EV bandwagon.

The cancellation of the Apple Car project was announced in front of 2,000 employees. It was indeed a surprise to everyone, knowing that the company had been exploring electric cars for the past years.