Apple's iPhone X marked a significant milestone as the first iPhone to feature an OLED display. However, this screen was supplied by Apple's competitor, Samsung, and this arrangement may soon change. According to a report on March 19th, Apple is taking a bold step by designing and producing its own display equipment for the first time. The company is using a secret facility near its California headquarters to manufacture a small batch of screens for testing purposes.
Apple is aiming for a next-generation MicroLED display, which differs from traditional OLED technology. MicroLED uses different luminescent compounds that are expected to result in thinner, brighter, and more energy-efficient devices. The company is heavily investing in the development of this technology, signaling a long-term strategic move.
However, manufacturing MicroLED screens is significantly more complex than producing OLEDs. A year ago, some within Apple considered abandoning the project, but engineers continued to push forward, and the technology is now in an advanced stage. Despite this progress, it may still take several years before consumers see the results.
The size of Apple’s California facility is not yet suitable for mass production, so the company plans to keep the technology closely guarded. It hopes to prevent partners from gaining access to the technology in the short term, ensuring control over its future development.
Currently, Apple’s screen suppliers include Samsung, Japan Display, and LG Display. By developing its own display technology, Apple could potentially turn these partners into competitors. However, mastering MicroLED could give Apple a competitive edge in the highly saturated smartphone market.
Sources familiar with the matter said that Apple is investing heavily in the next-generation MicroLED display. The technology promises improvements in device performance, including thinner designs, better clarity, and lower power consumption. While the potential benefits are clear, the challenges remain substantial.
Mass production of MicroLED screens requires new and specialized equipment, and there are risks that alternative technologies might emerge before the project reaches full scale. Additionally, the financial investment required is considerable, and Apple may face obstacles that could delay or even halt the initiative.
To mitigate risks, Apple may eventually outsource the production of these screens. A source noted that while the California plant is not yet ready for large-scale manufacturing, it is sufficient for engineering design and testing. During the development phase, all details must remain confidential.
This shift toward internalizing key components reflects Apple’s broader strategy of controlling critical technologies. Over the years, the company has developed its own chips, and now it aims to do the same for displays. This could disrupt existing supplier relationships, particularly with companies like Samsung, LG, and Universal Display Corp., which have been major players in the OLED market.
Ray Soneira, founder of DisplayMate Technologies, called this move a "golden opportunity" for Apple. “Everyone can buy an OLED or LCD screen,†he said. “But Apple can have a MicroLED.†While the path ahead is challenging, Apple’s commitment to innovation suggests that it is willing to take the risk for long-term gains.
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