Apple Watch Ultra Launch with microLED Display Faces Delay: Supply Chain Challenges Cited

The highly anticipated launch of the next-generation Apple Watch Ultra, featuring a cutting-edge microLED display, has hit a roadblock. Reports suggest that Apple is grappling with supply chain issues, potentially pushing back the release date beyond the initially projected 2026 timeline.

TrendForce’s Projections and The Elec’s Concerns

Last year, TrendForce, a prominent Taiwanese research firm, projected a 2026 launch for the Apple Watch Ultra. This contradicted earlier speculations of a 2025 debut. However, recent reports from The Elec highlight persistent challenges faced by Apple in terms of high manufacturing costs and burgeoning production demand. These issues may hinder the mass production of the microLED Apple Watch Ultra, potentially causing delays beyond the initially anticipated timeline.

A Decade of MicroLED Development

Apple has invested nearly a decade in refining its custom microLED display technology. This innovative display is poised to offer heightened brightness, color accuracy, dynamic range, viewing angles, and overall efficiency. The aim is to deliver a visual experience that closely resembles images on glass, setting a new standard for smartwatch displays.

The Challenge of a Larger Screen

While the current Apple Watch Ultra boasts a 1.93-inch display, the upcoming microLED model is rumored to feature a larger 2.12-inch screen. This larger display promises a superior content viewing experience for users. However, the challenge lies in manufacturing a screen with such high pixel density. Simulated demand analysis suggests that producing a 2.12-inch microLED screen could cost Apple up to $150 — four times the expense of the existing OLED display priced at $38. Products with a panel price of $150 typically retail for around $1,500.

To put this into perspective, the production cost of OLED displays for the iPhone 15, with screen sizes of 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches, is $80 and $120, respectively. This indicates that the microLED Apple Watch Ultra might surpass the latest premium iPhones in terms of pricing. Some reports even suggest that a 2027 release might be overly optimistic given the severity of the manufacturing challenges.

Ambitious Plans for MicroLED Adoption

The report also unveils Apple’s ambitious plans to replace all current LCD, OLED, and mini-LED panels with microLED technology. This strategic shift is expected to begin with the Apple Watch and subsequently extend to other flagship products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro headset. The move is aimed at reducing dependency on external suppliers, particularly Samsung, and leveraging Apple’s in-house display engineering capabilities. However, the successful execution of this plan hinges on overcoming the existing supply chain challenges.

Conclusion: Hurdles on the Path to MicroLED Adoption

While Apple’s pursuit of microLED technology is driven by a desire to enhance display quality, the road to widespread adoption appears laden with challenges. Overcoming supply chain obstacles will be crucial for the company to achieve its goal of implementing microLED across its product lineup. The delay in the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra underscores the complexities involved in bringing cutting-edge technology to the market. As consumers await the next leap in display technology, Apple’s ability to navigate these challenges will undoubtedly shape the future of smartwatches and electronic displays.