According to Bloomberg, Apple will start producing its own mobile device displays next year. The tech giant is expected to begin manufacturing high-end Apple Watch models by the end of 2024, replacing the current OLED screens with its own MicroLED technology. These displays are said to offer a wider color range, create the effect of displaying the interface on top of the glass, and improve visibility at an angle.
The publication first reported on Apple’s development of its own displays back in 2018. It’s believed that Apple initially planned to implement its own technology in 2020, but was hindered by costs and technical challenges. These same concerns also delayed the company from starting production of larger displays and led it to focus on making the Apple Watch the first device to feature its own screen.
According to Bloomberg’s sources, the development of this technology is one of the company’s most important projects. However, due to delays and potential future setbacks, the announcement of the display from Apple will likely be postponed until 2025. Reports indicate that the company has spent billions of dollars developing the display and is already testing it in the new version of the Apple Watch Ultra. Apple is also testing the display production at its facility in Santa Clara, California, although it may eventually outsource mass production.
As Bloomberg notes, Apple’s move to in-house displays could be a major blow to its suppliers, primarily Samsung and LG. However, manufacturers may have been preparing for this shift for some time, as it’s no secret that Apple has been developing its own components in an effort to reduce reliance on third-party companies. The company previously transitioned from Intel processors to its own chips for Mac computers and is reportedly planning to use its own wireless chipsets in the iPhone by 2025.