Apple to develop next-gen ultra-thin displays for AR devices with TSMC

Apple is working with TSMC to develop ultra-thin, energy-efficient micro OLED displays for its future augmented reality devices, Nikkei Asia report. The R&D project is said to be in a trial production stage, focusing on screens smaller than one inch and “several years” from commercialization. Apple is also reportedly developing MicroLED screens in the same Apple lab in Taiwan.

According to Nikkei, developing micro OLED displays can be so thin and compact because they are embedded directly on chip wafers, rather than glass like traditional OLED or LCD displays. News of the project follows reports that Apple has both VR and AR headsets in development. It could release its first VR headset (codename N301) as early as next year, while a pair of lighter AR glasses (codename N421) could follow in 2023. The N301 would have two 8K displays and an exterior in fabric to reduce its weight, while future helmets could possibly use this new panel technology to become thinner and lighter.

Picture: Information

In addition to working on micro OLED, Nikkei Apple reports that Apple is also working on MicroLED display technology at the same secret lab in Taiwan. These self-emitting panels, which use miniature LEDs to remove the need for traditional backlighting, could eventually be found in devices like the Apple Watch, iPad, and MacBooks. Samsung already sells a MicroLED TV called The Wall, although the technology is far from mainstream or affordable.

As a side note: micro OLEDs and MicroLEDs are distinct from mini-LEDs, which use an array of LEDs as a backlight behind a more traditional LCD screen. Mini-LED technology is already available in TVs like TCL, and Apple is also said to be working to bring it to devices like iPads and MacBooks in the not too distant future.

According to NikkeiApple’s R&D efforts are aimed at reducing its dependence on other companies, such as Samsung, to supply its displays. The iPhone 12’s OLED display is believed to be its second most expensive third-party component behind its Qualcomm 5G modem, for example. While Apple may end up using these technologies in its products, it could also simply use its work to acquire technology patents, which would give it more control over these next-generation technologies. Nikkei Remarks.

Apple is not the only company to develop these display technologies. Sony Semiconductor Solutions has developed micro OLED displays for AR and VR headsets, while a partnership between BOE, Yunnan North OLiGHTEK Opto-Electronic Technology and Kopin are also working together on the technology. At the same time, Samusung, BOE and San’an Optoelectronics are also working on the marketing of MicroLED screens.