Report: Apple developing on its own displays


Bloomberg:

Apple Inc. is designing and producing its own device displays for the first time, using a secret manufacturing facility near its California headquarters to make small numbers of the screens for testing purposes, according to people familiar with the situation.

The technology giant is making a significant investment in the development of next-generation MicroLED screens, say the people, who requested anonymity to discuss internal planning. MicroLED screens use different light-emitting compounds than the current OLED displays and promise to make future gadgets slimmer, brighter and less power-hungry.

The report speculates that Apple will still partner with another company to manufacture the displays. The current efforts seem related to research and development.

It would seem the move is a way for Apple be less dependent on other companies for next-generation displays. Since it developed the technology, presumably Apple could leverage it as a competitive advantage over other device makers that have access to the same screen technology as Apple.

Apple reportedly has 300 people working on the project, and they are designing and producing test screens. Bloomberg reports that the technology is likely to first appear in the Apple Watch. As the report notes, it may be years until such technology could make it to market.