[RUMOR] 2026 Apple Watch Ultra Getting Micro-LED Display

The highly anticipated Apple Watch Ultra with a revolutionary MicroLED display may face further delays, according to TrendForce via The Elec.

Initially rumored to launch in late 2024, a Tech Times report said that it will be launched during the second half of 2025. However, TrendForce believes that it will take until Q1 2026 before we see it hitting the shelves.

Apple Watch Ultra to be Delayed Once Again

According to Macrumors, the reason behind this delay is said to be related to manufacturing challenges and high production costs that Apple needs to address before proceeding to mass production.

With the iPhone maker spending more than $1 billion to bring microLED tech to fruition, it may want to stay on top of the competition when it comes to the display panel sector.

For the past decade, Apple has been depending on Samsung Display for its OLED-reliant smartphone. Now, it has been rumored to change its plans, citing several benefits it can get over the OLED screen.

Why Should Apple Go For MicroLED?

Compared to LED displays, MicroLED technology boasts superior energy efficiency, potentially resulting in significantly extended battery life for the Apple Watch Ultra and other future devices that adopt this technology.

Additionally, MicroLED displays have a lower risk of screen burn-in and a longer potential lifetime. They also offer improved contrast, faster response times, and brighter and more vibrant colors due to individual pixel-level lights. In essence, MicroLED represents a next-generation display technology that surpasses both OLED and miniLED.

With that being said, Apple is already in the testing phase of MicroLED displays for the Apple Watch. These displays are expected to deliver enhanced color reproduction and a visually stunning appearance as if the content is seamlessly painted on top of the glass.

Apple intends to bring MicroLED technology to other devices, including the iPhone, in the future, further revolutionizing the display quality and user experience across its product lineup.

Challenges in Manufacturing

It's important to note that early rumors regarding devices that are still a year or more away from launch can be subject to changes and delays.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple often faces challenges in design, component sourcing, manufacturing, and other aspects, leading to revised release dates.

Therefore, while the Apple Watch Ultra with MicroLED display is highly anticipated, it's advisable to approach the launch timing with some skepticism until official announcements are made.

In other news, a fresh Apple rumor suggests that we could likely see a bigger battery for the upcoming iPhone 15 models. If that is true, people should expect interesting improvements in this change including a longer battery life and sturdier design.