The next generation Apple Watch is set to feature a larger Micro LED display, according to a fresh report from analytics firm TrendForce. The release outlook places the wearable on a new visual platform, with the emphasis on higher brightness, deeper blacks, and improved power efficiency that Micro LED technology affords. Analysts note that this display shift could influence overall device comfort and usability, complementing the watch’s growing emphasis on health, fitness, and seamless integration with other Apple ecosystems.
Forecasts signal that the 2026 Apple Watch panel will be manufactured with Micro LED technology, a newer class of light-emitting diodes designed to improve image quality while potentially reducing energy consumption. The study indicates the display matrix will be about 10 percent larger than the current Apple Watch Ultra, resulting in an approximate diagonal of 2.12 inches. This increase aligns with a broader industry trend toward more expansive wearable screens without sacrificing battery life or portability.
Two major suppliers are identified as key partners for the Micro LED displays: ams OSRAM, based in Germany, and LG Display. ams OSRAM is expected to produce micro LED chips smaller than 10 by 10 microns, enabling tighter pixel structures and sharper images. LG Display will contribute additional display components, helping to assemble a more complete Micro LED module for the Apple Watch. These supplier roles reflect a coordinated supply chain strategy to bring high-resolution, energy-efficient panels to market at scale.
According to Chiu, the shift to Micro LED could substantially reduce Apple’s display costs for the watch. The projection for 2026 places the cost of a complete matrix around $120, which would be roughly two and a half to three times cheaper than the current OLED panel. This potential cost reduction could influence production margins and enable broader use of higher-end displays across the lineup without raising prices for consumers.
Industry insiders have also suggested that Apple is exploring additional display innovations beyond the watch, including plans for a flexible-screen iPad. While specific timelines remain fluid, these rumors illustrate Apple’s ongoing exploration of demonstrable improvements in display technology as part of its broader device strategy. The general expectation is that Micro LED and related technologies will play a pivotal role in future product generations, reinforcing Apple’s reputation for premium visual performance and durability. [TrendForce, 2024]