The debut of Apple's first car later this decade is expected to be a turning point in the automotive industry, as the technology company would turn from friend to foe for traditional carmakers.

Its technology could fuel a new revolution in the auto world, as carmakers will likely follow in its footsteps and adopt similar ideas in their future models.

One could be microLED technology, with new research published by TrendForce suggesting that displays based on this concept would become widely adopted in the automotive industry in the second half of the decade.

Apple Car could be one of the first models to adopt microLED, as the Cupertino-based iPhone maker plans to bring the technology to several products, including the electric vehicle due in 2025 or 2026.

We've known for a while that Apple wanted to adopt microLED. Apple Watch has long been touted as the first Apple product to use this new display technology, and the new research claims the switch from OLED to microLED could occur in 2026 "due to supply chain adjustments." Apple initially planned to install a microLED panel on the smartwatch in 2025.

However, 2026 could also be the year when Apple expands the use of microLED technology to more products, "including headsets, smartphones, and automotive applications."

Once microLED makes its way to the Apple Car, the rest of the automotive industry could follow suit and bring the same technology to future models.

TrendForce says automakers from the largest markets, including Europe, the United States, and Japan, expressed "considerable enthusiasm" toward adopting microLED.

The technology allows for reduced power consumption and increased brightness and reliability. Considering the significant upgrade in efficiency and the push for electric vehicles, automakers are expected to adopt microLED en-masse once the technology makes its way to the first models and demonstrates its capabilities. Apple could pioneer the debut of microLED displays in the car world if its release date stays on track.

Apple originally wanted to launch the Apple Car in 2025, but people familiar with the matter claim the company has pushed the release date to 2026. The first Apple Car could come with a more conventional approach than initially planned, including a steering wheel and pedals. Eventually, Apple wants to transform the cabin into a living room, removing the steering wheel and pedals for full self-driving capabilities. The first Apple Car could debut with limited autonomous driving support, similar to Tesla's implementation.

Apple has remained tight-lipped on its automotive plans, but the company could make an announcement in 2024 or 2025, approximately one year before the car's launch. Apple will reveal the new-generation CarPlay this year, with the new system to play an integral role in its automotive ambitions, especially as it integrates with vehicle functions and collects additional data.

 

TrendForce 2023 Micro LED Market Trend and Technology Cost Analysis
Release Date: 31 May / 30 November 2023
Language: Traditional Chinese / English
Format: PDF
Page: 160 / Year

【Early Bird Discount】Micro LED: Metaverse X Technological Evolution X Application Innovation
Time：September 5th, 2023
Venue：Room 401, National Taiwan University Hospital International Convention Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
Price：Early Bird Discount USD 230 (until August 25th, 2023, the original price is USD 280)