The Apple Watch Ultra is the company's most capable model yet, with features dedicated to professional trainers, athletes, and more. However, the company is already planning a successor which will house further enhancements and upgraded hardware. It was previously rumored that Apple will launch the second-gen Apple Watch Ultra in 2024 with a microLED display. A new report now suggests that the company will launch the microLED Apple Watch Ultra in 2026 due to production issues.

Apple Watch Ultra with microLED display sees another delay, expected to launch in 2026 instead of 2025 due to higher manufacturing costs

The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple's rugged version of the Apple Watch with additional features and sensors. It packs a bigger display and a dedicated Action Button that can be customized for personal needs. It was initially rumored that the company would launch the microLED Apple Watch Ultra in 2024 with a microLED display. However, analyst Ross Young stated that the wearable would see daylight in 2025. Now, The research firm TrendForce reports that Apple Watch Ultra with a microLED display will launch in 2026 rather than 2025 (via The Elec).

Apple is potentially delaying the Apple Watch Ultra with a microLED display due to increased production costs. Before the wearable enters mass production, the company needs to sort out the financials as it would incur extra costs, thereby reducing profits. If the company aims to stick to its profits, the device could cost a lot more than it is now. Currently, the Apple Watch Ultra is the most expensive Apple Watch that the company sells, coming in at a whopping $799.

Apple has heavily invested in microLED technology as it works to reduce dependency on suppliers like Samsung. Furthermore, with in-house displays, the company can customize the design and feature set according to its preferences. The Apple Watch Ultra will be the first device to launch with Apple's in-house microLED display. Once the company settles the production process and costs associated with it, we will see the technology brought forward to the iPhone, iPad, and other products as well.

As for what you should expect, microLED display technology offers many benefits over the OLED panel and much more. For one, it consumes less power which is a major plus since the Apple Watch is powered by a much smaller battery than other products like the iPhone. Henceforth, the Apple Watch's battery life could improve with microLED. Furthermore, microLED offers enhanced color accuracy and contrast compared to OLED panels.