In March 2020, Facebook (now Meta) signed a deal with UK-based MicroLED microdisplay developer Plessey Semiconductor to dedicate all of Plessey's microLED manufacturing operations to support Facebook with its own product development. Facebook pretty much acquired Plessey's microLED operations with this exclusive deal.
Facebook hoped to utilize microLED microdisplays in future AR headsets. According to a new report, the company has decided to use LCoS microdisplays for its first consumer AR device, codenamed Artemis, which will be released (if all goes according to plan) in 2027. It seems as if the development based on Plessey's technology and processes did not progress as expected, and Meta did not manage to develop high brightness microLEDs or a process with satisfactory yields.
That's an interesting decision by Meta, as by 2027 OLED displays and MicroLED displays will mature and likely offer much higher performance compared to an LCoS based headset.
Meta is also developing a first-gen AR device aimed towards select developers and internal testing. This high-end device may be based on microLED technology, as costs and production volume are not a major stumble block for this device.
