Apple and TSMC reportedly work together to develop ultra-advanced micro OLED display technology

    Nikkei Asia reported today that Apple and TSMC have further deepened their relationship and are working together to develop ultra-advanced display technology. People familiar with the matter revealed that Apple plans to develop micro OLED displays, a new display technology that is built directly onto chip wafers, with the ultimate goal of applying this new technology in upcoming AR (augmented reality) devices.

　　IT Home learned that micro OLED displays are not built directly on glass substrates like traditional LCD screens in smartphones and TVs, nor are they built directly on glass substrates like OLED displays in high-end smartphones.

　　The new displays can be built directly on wafers, the substrates used to make semiconductor chips, and could make displays thinner, smaller and less power-hungry, making them more suitable for wearable AR devices, the people said.

　　Sources said that the micro OLED project is currently in the trial production stage and it will take several years to achieve mass production. The display currently being developed is less than 1 inch in size.

　　"Panel manufacturers are making screens bigger and bigger, but for devices like AR, users need a very small screen," said a source with direct knowledge of the micro OLED R&D project. "Apple is working with TSMC to develop the technology because the chipmaker's expertise is making products small and good, and Apple will also leverage the panel experts' expertise in display technology."

　　Sources say the planned micro OLED display production will partly use TSMC's existing chip production equipment and processes. The project is one of two ongoing projects (along with micro LED) at Apple's secret laboratory in Longtan District, Taoyuan City, northern Taiwan.