According to supply chain sources, the Apple Watch Series 10, which will be released this year, will use a new display technology that can reduce power consumption, improve efficiency, and bring more lasting battery life.
The news comes from South Korean tech media The Elec, who reported that the Apple Watch Series 10 will upgrade the OLED display to use low temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) thin film transistor (TFT) technology.
Currently, the Apple Watch’s OLED screen uses LTPO TFT technology on only two switching transistors, with the rest using the less efficient low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) technology. According to the report, the Apple Watch Series 10 will apply LTPO technology to more transistors: “The Elec has learned that Apple plans to apply LTPO TFT technology to the OLED display of the Apple Watch Series 10, which will apply oxide materials on the drive transistor and a portion of the switching transistor (usually seven to eight transistors). Previously, Apple Watch’s LTPO TFT technology used oxide on only two switching transistors and LTPS materials for the rest.”
The use of oxide to replace the LTPS driver transistor means that the transistor directly connected to the display pixels will be made of oxide. In LTPO OLeds, oxides are used to reduce leakage current, and the new LTPO OLED further expands the application range of oxides. Screen suppliers that specialize in oxide technology may benefit.
“If according to Apple’s plan, in the OLED display of Apple Watch Series 10, the drive transistor and some switching transistors are made of oxide materials, then LTPS materials will only be used for the remaining switching transistors and circuits outside the pixel area.” The role of LTPS will be greatly reduced.”
Despite the lengthy names and abbreviations, the bottom line is that the Apple Watch Series 10 OLED display will be able to significantly reduce power consumption and thus extend battery life, which is the most important part for most users.
Igeekphone believes that it is unclear whether the Apple Watch Series 10 battery life can really improve, because the efficiency gains brought by the new display technology may be offset by other performance changes.