Foxconn Announces Mass Production of MicroLED Displays to Start in Late 2025

Foxconn, a key supplier for Apple, has announced its ambitious plans to begin mass production of microLED displays by late next year. This strategic move comes as Apple continues its ongoing transition from LCD to OLED technology, with microLED emerging as the next potential leap forward.

The announcement was made in conjunction with Foxconn’s new partnership with Porotech, which will focus on integrating advanced microLED technology into the next generation of augmented reality (AR) headsets. By leveraging Porotech’s expertise in gallium nitride (GaN) technology, Foxconn aims to produce high-performance micro-displays that will meet the demands of the burgeoning AR market.

MicroLED technology is anticipated to deliver numerous benefits over OLED, including superior brightness, greater color accuracy, increased longevity, and improved power efficiency, while also eliminating the burn-in issues associated with OLED displays. Despite the promise that microLED holds, Apple had previously scaled back its plans to incorporate this technology into its Apple Watch, indicating that the technology wasn’t quite ready for commercial deployment just yet.

According to Foxconn, the new production line dedicated to microLED processing will be established in Taichung, Taiwan, with mass production set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025. This timeline suggests that consumers could expect to see the first products featuring microLED technology hitting the market as early as the first quarter of 2026. Although Foxconn did not specify which future products might utilize these advanced displays, they hinted at fulfilling the needs of “future mainstream global clients,” leaving enthusiasts speculating about which devices might benefit from the improved display technology.

The collaboration between Foxconn and Porotech marks a significant step towards enhancing display performance in AR devices, a sector that is poised to see explosive growth in the coming years. As both companies combine their strengths, they aim to deliver compact, lightweight, and high-brightness AR display solutions to meet the growing demand for next-generation technologies. Foxconn’s strategic focus on vertically integrated services, from microLED wafer processing to the packaging and assembly of optical modules, positions it well to lead in the micro-display market.

As the tech world eagerly awaits the advancements brought by microLED technology, the implications for Apple’s product lineup could be substantial. Although it remains to be seen how quickly Apple will incorporate microLED displays into its devices, the technology’s potential for improved visual fidelity and performance has undoubtedly captured the attention of industry analysts and consumers alike.

In conclusion, the unveiling of Foxconn’s microLED production plans hints at exciting developments on the horizon for AR glasses and potentially other devices, as Apple continues its technology evolution with a keen eye on the future of display technologies.