Apple has postponed the introduction of the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra due to challenges in MicroLED display production. According to a South Korean publication, The Elec, the delay reflects ongoing obstacles in bringing MicroLED technology to mass production for wearables.
Previously, Ross Young, founder of Display Supply Chain Consultants, had suggested that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 would debut in 2025. Fresh data now indicate a launch in 2026, with the delay largely tied to the hurdles of scaling MicroLED panels for consumer devices. MicroLED promises notable benefits over traditional OLEDs, including improved energy efficiency, thinner profiles, higher contrast, and enhanced durability, which are highly desirable for premium wearable devices.
Apple has already invested substantial resources into MicroLED development, exceeding one billion dollars, as the company seeks innovations capable of driving down production costs over time while preserving performance gains. The Elec notes that the initial mass production timeline for MicroLED displays was targeted for the second quarter of 2025, but the schedule has shifted to the first quarter of 2026, indicating a measured approach to achieving scalable manufacturing.
According to industry discussions, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is expected to be Apple’s first device equipped with a MicroLED display, signaling a strategic shift in how the company introduces high-end screen technology across its lineup. The broader implications for the supply chain and for other product families in Apple’s portfolio are a topic of considerable interest among observers looking at premium wearables and future iPhone generations.
Industry chatter has also referenced earlier reports that all iPhone 15 models may undergo a design change, including a potential increase in thickness, which would be consistent with the broader push toward more capable displays and battery integration in next-generation devices. Analysts emphasize that while MicroLED remains a transformative technology, large-scale production challenges must be resolved before widespread consumer availability can occur.