Apple Watch Series 3 to Come With a Micro-LED Display, Touch ID Functionality?
A new report has surfaced regarding what Apple is planning to do for the Apple Watch Series 3.
According to a report from Business Korea, the Cupertino-based company is working on producing its own micro-LED tech, which is something it has reportedly been developing with Lux Vue — a firm acquired by Apple in 2014 — for the past two years. This power-efficient display technology will be adapted to the Apple Watch Series 3, and will also be used in making iPhones that would come after this year's iPhone 8.
The micro-LED technology is the next-generation display after the successful stint of the in-demand organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The micro-LED is thinner and lighter than OLED, measuring only five to 10 micrometers, which is likely among the reasons why Apple plans to use the technology for its next smartwatch.
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Back in February, the tech giant was granted a patent for sensing infrared diodes on the surface of a display. The inclusion of sensing infrared diodes into a micro-LED panel could mean that the screen itself would be capable of reading fingerprints. Hence, it is possible for the upcoming Apple Watch to come with a Touch ID functionality on its display.
According to AppleInsider, adapting the micro-LED technology in the Apple Watch Series 3 could be the company's stepping stone in its intention to veer away from OLED. If the incorporation of the micro-LED on the next smartwatch proves to be successful, Apple could proceed with producing larger micro-LED panels that will be used for future iPhones.
Apple's potential move away from OLED technology might be bad news for Samsung and LG. The Cupertino-based company is currently ordering its OLED panels for its Apple Watch devices from LG Display. Should Apple continue with the micro-LED, LG is expected to lose an estimated $201.35 million. Samsung Display, on the other hand, supplies the OLEDs for the iPhone 8, which could mean big losses for the Korean tech-giant as well.
At present, it remains uncertain whether the micro-LED technology will really be incorporated into the Apple Watch Series 3.
