Apple Watch Ultra with Orange Alpine Loop
David Phelan
The Apple Watch Ultra has the largest screen of any Apple Watch. But a new report claims that the next version of the already expensive watch will have new technology that will make it much more expensive.
In a report by DSCC, i.e. Digital Supply Chain Analysts, it is claimed that the next Apple Watch Ultra will have a larger display using a different technology, MicroLED instead of OLED.
And the bad news is that the new screen could cost a lot more, which means the price of the Apple Watch Ultra will go up.
The report states, “We understand that the MicroLED display will cost more than 5 times the price of the current Watch Ultra’s LTPO OLED panel. This will likely mean that Apple will create a new price tier above the $799 level. This also indicates that Apple is unlikely to use MicroLED in the iPhone anytime soon.
Although the report does not specify the price increase, it is unlikely that such an increase in the cost of a key component will mean that the cost will not be passed on to customers.
MicroLED has advantages in terms of brightness, which is particularly useful for a watch intended for outdoor use, such as this one aimed at extreme sports enthusiasts. In direct sunlight, an easily readable screen is a real advantage. DSCC is cautious, however:
“MicroLED is expected to bring benefits in terms of energy efficiency and brightness, but it remains to be seen how these will be improved in real-world use. Additionally, OLEDs continue to close the efficiency gap with MicroLEDs with tandem stacks, phosphorescent blue emitters, polarizer-less OLEDs, all contributing to significant gains.Also, it’s unclear whether MicroLEDs can retain an efficiency advantage as die sizes increase. decreases, which will be necessary to reduce costs.”
If Apple introduces this new technology, it will start making them next year, but will launch the product in 2025, the report said. This lines up with other reports, which hinted at a spring 2025 release for the Watch Ultra 2, although that would put the Watch’s release schedule out of step with other watches which, with the exception of the very premiere, were all launched in the fall. , even when multiple models are released at the same time.
Also, Apple rarely uses a design just once, so if the report is correct, I’d expect there to be at least one update to the Ultra before a 2025 model with a bigger screen and the different design that would entail.
DSCC estimates that the screen size would increase from 1.9 inches to 2.1 inches, measured diagonally.
The report adds, “The 2.1 display” should have a resolution of around 325 PPI, significantly lower than what we see in smartphones, but consistent with the current Apple Watch Ultra.
If that’s true, there’s plenty of time for more reveals to leak.