Apple is making its own MicroLED displays

Word hit the web that Apple is operating a secret display research and manufacturing facility in Santa Clara, California. At the site, Apple is making a new MicroLED technology with the aim to replace Samsung's OLED screens in future devices. Basically, Apple is once again taking a major step to differentiate its devices from the competition, by cutting out external suppliers and replacing them with in-house technology.

MicroLED technology is much more difficult than OLED, and Apple reportedly nearly axed the project in 2017. However, Bloomberg heard Apple's MicroLED displays are now in an advanced development stage, and could be ready for production within a couple of years.

Controlling MicroLED technology would help Apple stand out in a maturing smartphone market and outgun rivals like Samsung that have been able to tout superior screens. Ray Soneira, who runs screen tester DisplayMate Technologies, says bringing the design in-house is a “golden opportunity” for Apple. “Everyone can buy an OLED or LCD screen,” he says. “But Apple could own MicroLED.”

Shares of display makers fell on the news.