Apple is currently developing microLED display technology for some of its devices. This new technology is predicted to be present on future iPhones, iPads and Macs.
According to a report by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, Apple has been developing microLED display technology for six years. The project, codenamed T159, started in 2017 with the aim of replacing displays provided by Apple partners such as Samsung and LG.
This will be Apple's first self-designed display, following its own Apple Silicon chip. Gurman previously reported this microLED display would debut on the next-generation Apple Watch Ultra in 2024.
After debuting on the Apple Watch Ultra, Gurman predicts Apple will use microLED displays on the iPhone, followed by the iPad and Max. He believes all of Apple's major products will have microLED screens, but implementation for the Mac will likely take up to a decade.
Gurman said microLED displays will bring several advantages, starting from a brighter screen, better color reproduction, and can be seen from any angle.
"They (microLEDs) make images look like they were painted on the glass of the device and are quite an amazing technological achievement," said Gurman, as quoted by Bloomberg, Monday (16/1/2023).
MicroLED displays use very small light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for the backlight used by the display. The LED size is much smaller than the mini-LED technology used by the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Such displays are more difficult to manufacture, but can offer more accurate colors, darker blacks, and better contrast. MicroLED technology also does not result in screen burn-in which is commonly found in LCD or OLED panels.