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Samsung recently said that it’s considering using MicroLED displays on its smartwatches. This came amid rumors that the Galaxy Watch 7 series could include an Ultra model with a MicroLED panel. However, this doesn’t seem to be happening. A node industry insider “guarantees” that the next-gen Samsung smartwatches won’t feature the new type of display.
No MicroLED display for the Galaxy Watch 7
MicroLED displays are more power-efficient, durable, and brighter than OLED panels. They also have a better contrast ratio, color reproduction, and visibility. Samsung has already released TVs with more advanced display technology and is now exploring its applications on small-size devices. In October last year, the Korean media reported that the company was planning to make MicroLED panels for AR (augmented reality) headsets.
A few months later, reports emerged that Samsung has begun work on MicroLED displays for smartwatches. The company’s acquisition of New York-based OLED microdisplay maker eMagin in May 2023 further hinted at the efforts to bring the newer display tech to small devices. However, the Galaxy Watch 6 series arrived in July featuring an OLED display.
This led to rumors that the Galaxy Watch 7 series may feature a MicroLED display. Some rumors said that Samsung will release an Ultra model with the new display tech, hinting at an OLED panel for the regular models. The Korean behemoth bolstered hopes last week when it confirmed its plans to make MicroLED panels for smartwatches and signage displays. It didn’t reveal much about the plans, but the firm made its intentions clear.
Unfortunately, this may not happen next year. X tipster Revegnus claims that Samsung won’t give us a Galaxy Watch 7 model with a MicroLED display. “I can guarantee that the Watch 7 is not equipped with micro LED,” the tipster said. Interestingly, the same source previously said that the Korean firm will launch an “Ultra” smartwatch featuring the new display tech. It appears they were talking about the Galaxy Watch 8 series or later.
Samsung may be waiting for Apple to make the first move
Samsung may have the resources and technology to release a Galaxy Watch 7 with a MicroLED panel next year. However, it could be waiting for Apple to make the first move. The latter is expected to bring an Apple Watch Ultra with the new display tech in early 2026. The Korean behemoth may follow it with a Galaxy Watch 9 Ultra later that year. Or maybe it will make the first move with a Galaxy Watch 8 Ultra in 2025, we will have to wait and see.