Apple Watch: More energy-efficient OLED technology under discussion Apfelpatient

Apple is reportedly testing a new display technology that could make upcoming Apple Watch models significantly more energy-efficient. A report from Korea identifies the wrist as the first application – and thus as a precursor to a technology that is likely to later find its way into the iPhone.

Energy efficiency is perhaps the most important factor for a smartwatch, as every milliampere saved noticeably extends battery life. A new report from the Korean tech publication The Elec addresses this very point: Apple is reportedly evaluating a next-generation OLED driver that would reduce the display's power consumption. While this year's lineup surrounding the Apple Watch Series 12 is rather understated, a significant technological advancement could be taking place beneath the surface in 2027. Nothing has been confirmed, but the described development aligns with Apple's previous approach to displays.

What's behind the new display technology

At the heart of the technology is the so-called backplane – the transistor layer that controls each individual OLED pixel. LG Display is reportedly developing a technology called High-Mobility Oxide (HMO) for this purpose, which is intended for use in the sixth-generation production lines for small and medium-sized OLED panels. According to the report, Apple is considering HMO as a successor to LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide), the backplane technology currently in use. LTPO enables features such as the always-on display and variable refresh rate in the iPhone and Apple Watch.

The decisive advantage of HMOs lies in their higher electron mobility – that is, how easily electrons move through the transistor material once an electric field is applied. High mobility is crucial for driving an OLED panel while simultaneously keeping power consumption low. According to the report, currently mass-produced oxide transistors typically achieve values below 10 cm²/Vs (square centimeters per volt-second), while the industry is aiming for around 30 to 50 cm²/Vs for the next generation of OLEDs. Such a leap would translate directly into lower energy consumption.

Two suppliers, two paths

It is noteworthy that the two major OLED suppliers are reportedly pursuing different strategies. LG Display is using a sputtering process for HMO, which can be integrated relatively easily into existing production lines. This could shorten the path to mass production.

Samsung Display, on the other hand, is reportedly taking a different approach: atomic layer deposition (ALD), in which extremely thin layers are applied atom by atom. This process is slower, but suggests that Samsung is aiming for a particularly finely controlled transistor layer than would be possible with HMO. Which approach ultimately prevails will likely depend on which variant best meets Apple's requirements for efficiency and manufacturing.

Why the Apple Watch is leading the way

The fact that the technology is slated to debut in the Apple Watch follows a familiar pattern. Apple has repeatedly tested new backplane technologies in the past before rolling them out to products with significantly higher production volumes. The relatively small displays of the Apple Watch are well-suited as a testing ground because yield and reliability can be assessed with less risk.

A successful launch on the wrist would therefore not be the end, but the beginning: In the medium term, the next major area of application would be the iPhone, whose display components are already distributed between Samsung and LG. A wider adoption of the more efficient OLED technology would be the logical next step.

Nothing has been decided yet

Despite the promising prospects, the hurdle to mass production remains high. LG Display must first validate HMO for mass production, and this involves several criteria: mobility, consistency, reliability, process temperature, and yield. Only when these aspects are satisfactory would commercial use be considered – so it is by no means guaranteed.

Furthermore, current rumors about the Apple Watch don't suggest a major update anyway. A comprehensive redesign is considered unlikely before 2028. However, this doesn't rule out a more energy-efficient display technology in 2027 – quite the opposite: a model without noticeable external changes could certainly benefit from improved efficiency under the hood.

The next generation of displays begins on the wrist

Should the report prove true, the real advancement of the next Apple Watch wouldn't be found in its optical specifications, but rather in a layer that no one ever sees. Longer battery life without a larger battery would be a significant benefit for a smartwatch. Until Apple actually incorporates such technology, however, it remains just a lead in the supply chain – an interesting one, but still unconfirmed. (Image: Shutterstock / Hadrian)