Apple invests at least $1 billion in research and development of micro LED technology to reduce dependence on Samsung

Long ago, reports emerged asserting that Apple had actively begun harnessing micro LED technology, sequentially securing pertinent patents for devices such as the iMac, MacBook, and even televisions, thereby achieving a comprehensive layout of patents. Reports suggest that Apple aims to debut micro LED technology in their new Apple Watch Ultra edition, set to launch between 2024 and 2025, and extend it to their entire product lineup—a process that could span a decade.

When juxtaposed with traditional LCD and OLED panels, micro LED, despite its high cost, boasts innate advantages in brightness and power consumption that have piqued Apple’s interest as per a report by Wccftech, Apple has funneled considerable capital into the research and development of micro LED technology to better control the supply of micro LED panels and reduce their dependence on collaborative partners such as Samsung.

Apple reportedly has research and development teams in the United States, China, and Japan dedicated to integrating micro LED technology, focusing on the iPhone models. In the past decade, the tech giant has invested at least a billion dollars into this endeavor, including technological research, development, and prototype production. Apple aspires to gain greater control over next-generation display technology, with the team’s primary operations clandestinely underway in Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Despite Apple’s substantial investment, numerous manufacturing challenges persist. In order to effectively address these issues and realize its micro-LED vision, Apple has been cultivating close partnerships with suppliers, including LG, TSMC, and ams-Osram. Apple’s design will not only be incorporated into the driving integrated circuits of the micro LED panels, but they have even crafted some production equipment to better regulate the manufacturing process.