Apple has plans to bring the manufacturing of custom displays in-house as early as 2024, says a report from Bloomberg. The shift to its own displays will allow Apple to rely less on display partners that include Samsung and LG. The displays will likely be manufactured by an outside supplier but designed by Apple.
Apple’s first device to benefit from the move will likely be the Apple Watch Ultra at the end of 2024. That device is expected to sport microLED display technology, with the iPhone and other devices making the move to Apple-produced displays. This will allow Apple to lessen its dependency on current display partners, which include Samsung and LG.
Bloomberg says Apple is making a “sweeping effort” to make more of its own components for its devices, meaning Apple will not need to deal with as many third-party component makers. Apple currently creates its own A-series and M-series chips for iPhones, iPads, and Macs, and it is also working on modem chips and other wireless chips.
microLED displays for the Apple Watch, which is currently being tested by Apple, will bring brighter and more vibrant colors, along with improved viewing angles. Bloomberg says the displays “make content appear like it’s painted on top of the glass.”
Apple has long planned to use microLED for larger displays, but for cost reasons, decided to focus first on the Apple Watch.
Bloomberg warns that the 2024 target date could potentially slip to 2025, or a limited supply of the new devices could be offered to begin with.
(Via MacRumors)