Apple has been working on a new version of its popular smartwatch, the Apple Watch Ultra, that would feature a microLED display. This display technology promises to offer better brightness, color accuracy, and efficiency than the current OLED screens. However, the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra may be delayed due to supply chain challenges and high production costs.
What is microLED and why is it better?
MicroLED is a display technology that uses tiny light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to create pixels on a screen. Unlike OLED, which relies on organic materials that can degrade over time, microLED uses inorganic materials that are more durable and stable. MicroLED also has several advantages over OLED, such as:
- Higher brightness and contrast, which can improve visibility in outdoor environments
- Wider color gamut and dynamic range, which can enhance the visual quality of images and videos
- Lower power consumption, which can extend the battery life of devices
- Faster response time, which can reduce motion blur and latency
- Thinner and lighter design, which can enable more flexible and innovative form factors
What are the challenges of microLED production?
Despite the benefits of microLED, producing high-quality screens with this technology is not easy. Some of the main challenges are:
- Scaling down the size of the LEDs to fit millions of them on a small screen, while maintaining uniformity and reliability
- Transferring the LEDs from the substrate where they are grown to the display panel, without damaging or misaligning them
- Integrating the LEDs with the circuitry and the backplane, which requires precise alignment and bonding
- Reducing the manufacturing cost, which is currently much higher than OLED due to the complexity and low yield of the process
When will the Apple Watch Ultra with microLED launch?
Apple has been investing heavily in developing microLED technology for its devices, starting with the Apple Watch. The company has reportedly set up a secret facility in Taiwan to work on microLED displays, and has acquired several patents and startups related to the technology. Apple also plans to replace the current LCD, OLED, and mini-LED screens with microLED across its product lineup, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro headset.
However, according to various reports, the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra with microLED display may not happen anytime soon. TrendForce, a research firm, initially predicted a 2026 launch for the device, while other sources suggested a 2025 debut. However, The Elec, a Korean news outlet, claimed that the mass production of the microLED Apple Watch Ultra could be delayed beyond 2026, due to the persistent issues with high manufacturing costs and production demands.
The report also stated that the microLED Apple Watch Ultra would feature a larger 2.12-inch screen, compared to the 1.93-inch screen of the current model. However, the production cost of a microLED screen could be up to $150, which is four times the cost of the OLED screen. This could result in a premium price tag for the device, possibly exceeding the latest iPhones in price.
What does this mean for Apple and its customers?
The delayed launch of the Apple Watch Ultra with microLED display could have some implications for Apple and its customers, such as:
- Apple may lose its competitive edge in the smartwatch market, as other rivals may introduce microLED devices sooner
- Apple may face pressure from investors and analysts, who expect the company to deliver innovative products and maintain its growth
- Apple may have to rely on external suppliers, such as Samsung, for its display needs, which could affect its profit margins and bargaining power
- Customers may have to wait longer to enjoy the benefits of microLED technology, or pay a higher price for the device
- Customers may also have to deal with the potential drawbacks of microLED technology, such as the risk of burn-in, the lack of touch sensitivity, and the compatibility issues with existing apps and software
While Apple is known for its ability to overcome technical challenges and create breakthrough products, the microLED Apple Watch Ultra may prove to be one of its toughest projects yet. The company may have to overcome significant hurdles to bring this device to the market, or rethink its strategy altogether.
![gain Rise in Gold Rate in India After Falling Rs 21,200/24K; Will Gold Price Today Jump or Drop on 28 March? By Harshika Yadav Published: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 6:55 [IST] preference Add as a preferred source on Google Gold rates in India witnessed a modest recovery on March 27, 2026, after a sharp fall in the previous session, indicating a cautious stabilisation in the bullion market. The yellow metal had dropped by Rs 212 per gram (or Rs 21,200 per 100 grams) of 24 Karat (24K) earlier, but managed to regain some ground. Gold Price Updates as US-Iran Tensions Ease; Pakistan, Turkiye & Egypt Step Up Mediation Efforts The rise in yellow metal follows easing geopolitical concerns after US President Donald Trump signalled a delay in potential military action against Iran's energy infrastructure by 10 days, pushing the deadline to April 6. This development, along with ongoing diplomatic efforts, has helped support safe-haven demand. gold Rate Today Further adding to market sentiment, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Islamabad is acting as an intermediary between the United States and Iran, relaying messages as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions. Countries like Türkiye and Egypt are also reportedly supporting the mediation process, offering some relief to global financial markets. Gold Rate in India: Check Latest 22K, 24K & 18K Gold Prices Per Gram 24 Karat Gold Rate Today in India In the 24 Karat segment, at the time of writing, the rate for 1 gram stood at Rs 14,471, rising by Rs 16 from Rs 14,455. For 8 grams, the price increased to Rs 1,15,768, up by Rs 128. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,44,710, reflecting a gain of Rs 160, while 100 grams of 24 Karat gold were priced at Rs 14,47,100, marking an increase of Rs 1,600. 22 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The price of one gram of 22K stood at Rs 13,265, gaining Rs 15 from the previous session. For 8 grams, the rate rose to Rs 1,06,120, registering an increase of Rs 120. The cost of 10 grams advanced to Rs 1,32,650, up by Rs 150, while 100 grams were priced at Rs 13,26,500, reflecting a gain of Rs 1,500. 18 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The rate for one gram of 18K stood at Rs 10,853, up by Rs 12. For 8 grams, the price moved up to Rs 86,824, marking a gain of Rs 96. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,08,530, increasing by Rs 120, while 100 grams were valued at Rs 10,85,300, reflecting an uptick of Rs 1,200. Latest MCX Gold Price In the domestic futures market, gold on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) held firm above the Rs 1,44,500 level as per latest trading record, supported largely by the weakness in the Indian rupee, which continues to cushion local prices despite global volatility. Latest Spot Gold Rate The rebound in domestic gold rates comes alongside a recovery in international markets, where gold moved above the $4,400 per ounce mark. What Lies Ahead for Gold Prices? Check Gold Rate Prediction Jateen Trivedi, VP - Research Analyst (Commodity and Currency), LKP Securities, said, "Gold remained slightly positive, trading above $4,425 with highs near $4,475, supported by initial optimism around US-Iran talks. However, the sharp rise in crude continues to signal underlying market stress and inflation risks." From a technical perspective, he explained, "Technically, support is seen near Rs 1,42,000, while resistance is placed around Rs 1,46,500. Overall, gold is expected to remain volatile with limited upside unless clarity emerges on inflation and geopolitics."](https://keralanews247.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rupee-and-dollar-scaled-120x86.png)
