Samsung Display Advances Micro LED Smartwatch Development with Pilot Production Line

According to a report by South Korean media outlet ETNews, Samsung Display (SDC) is establishing a pilot production facility for Micro LED smartwatch displays at its A2 campus in Asan, South Chungcheong Province. The facility will utilize a 5.5-generation Quarter Cut production line and marks a significant step toward the commercialization of Micro LED wearable displays.

Industry sources indicate that the pilot line will incorporate key process equipment, including transfer, bonding, inspection, and repair systems. Samsung Display has reportedly been evaluating equipment suppliers since late 2025, with installation expected to be completed within 2026. Following the pilot line’s completion, the company is considering a larger-scale manufacturing investment in the second half of 2027.

Samsung Display is believed to have launched its Micro LED smartwatch development program in 2023. The company aims to accelerate commercialization by leveraging expertise gained through years of research and development while validating production processes through in-house manufacturing operations.

At CES 2025 and Display Week 2026, Samsung Display showcased a 2.1-inch Micro LED smartwatch display featuring a resolution of 418 × 540 pixels and peak brightness of 4,000 nits. The Micro LED chips used in the prototype were supplied by Chinese LED manufacturer San’an Optoelectronics.

TrendForce reports that construction of the pilot production line is already underway. To improve energy efficiency, Samsung Display is expected to adopt high-voltage Micro LED chips, with potential suppliers including San’an Optoelectronics and Taiwan-based PlayNitride.

Upon completion of development activities, Samsung Display is expected to provide smartwatch display samples to prospective customers, including Samsung Electronics as well as smartwatch brands in Europe and North America. Future mass-production decisions will depend on customer demand and market adoption.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s AUO has already achieved commercial deployment of Micro LED smartwatch displays through shipments for Garmin’s fēnix 8 Pro smartwatch. AUO is also expected to utilize high-voltage Micro LED technology to address power consumption concerns.

TrendForce further notes that Apple has not completely withdrawn from the Micro LED smartwatch segment. The company may revisit its Micro LED wearable strategy in the future through a restructured supply-chain approach.