Third-Generation Apple Watch Reportedly Switching to Micro LED Technology

The third generation Apple Watch is reportedly switching to Micro LED, according to a new report from Digitimes. Rather than use OLED, as is rumored be used in the 2017 iPhone, Apple has been developing Micro LED panels for the 2017 Apple Watch.

That’s right. We’re not talking about this year, but next year.

Micro LED is similar to OLED except that it has much better color gamuts and is way more power efficient. They’re also capable of being much thinner, something we all know Apple loves.

Interestingly, in 2014, Apple acquired LuxVue, a company that literally specialized in Micro LED development. At the time, many of us speculated that this could be for the Apple Watch that was yet to debut. Turns out, it might be.

Having the Apple Watch required even less power would open up some interesting opportunities for the Watch. For example, it could easily have an always-on display. It could also give Apple the affordance of making the product thinner and lighter.

If this rumor turns out to be true, it’s gonna be a while before we know it. We haven’t even seen the second-generation Apple Watch yet. Still, it’s exciting to see Apple pushing the limits of technology here.