Screen too expensive: Apple will likely delay the release of the Apple Watch Ultra smartwatch with microLED display
According to numerous leaks, Apple has been working on a special microLED display technology for almost 10 years. Such a display should get future models of smartwatch Apple Watch Ultra, but when exactly it will happen - is still unknown.
Here's What We Know
Earlier sources assured that the first Apple Watch Ultra with microLED display will be released in 2025 or 2026. However, now The Elec writes that Apple has encountered production problems, so the dates are likely to be postponed.
The main problem is the cost of the microLED panel for the Watch - it's too high (even by Apple's standards). According to the report, a 2.12-inch microLED screen costs $150. And that's 4 times the cost of producing an existing OLED display ($38). Even the OLED screens for the 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch iPhone 15 cost less - $80 and $120, respectively.
To understand, a watch whose display production costs $150 usually comes with a price tag of around $1,500. And the current Apple Watch Ultra costs $799.
Therefore, according to The Elec, releasing the device even in 2027 might be too optimistic.