Samsung’s MicroLED technology has been largely limited to the company’s high-end TVs, but that could be about to change. A new report from South Korea suggests that Samsung has begun commercializing its MicroLED technology for smartwatches.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch currently uses an OLED display. Samsung also supplies smartwatch OLED panels to other manufacturers. The commercialization of its MicroLED technology will allow future Galaxy Watch models to feature more advanced panels.
Samsung is one of the largest suppliers of OLED panels for Apple’s Apple Watch. Recent reports suggest that Apple wants to shift its smartwatch to MicroLED, which could lead to the company sourcing fewer OLED panels from Samsung. By becoming a supplier of MicroLED panels for smartwatches, Samsung shows that it can ensure continued supply to Apple.
MicroLED panels will offer a significant improvement over OLED: brighter, with better contrast and excellent color performance. MicroLED panels are also more energy efficient, enabling smartwatches to have longer battery life.
Samsung Display established a new team to develop the project in late 2022. The team’s goal is to commercialize the technology in the near future. However, this will be a long process, and Samsung Display hopes to complete development within this year.
If things go well, Samsung Display will be well-positioned to meet the needs of Samsung and Apple for high-end smartwatches.
