iPhone Could Inherit Apple Watch Series 10's Power Efficient Display

[MacRumors]

Apple could use the LTP03 display technology that debuted in the Apple Watch Series 10 to improve power efficiency and display performance in future iPhone models, industry watchers believe (via The Elec).

LTPO refers to a TFT panel that adds oxide to a Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon (LTPS) TFT, which reduces power consumption at low refresh rates. Apple applied the name "LTPO3" to the OLED displays used in the recently released Apple Watch 10 series to differentiate it from the LTPO2 displays currently used in Apple Watch Series 9 and iPhone 16 Pro models, as it replaces the drive TFT (thin-film transistor) with a more efficient oxide-based version.

The technology enables Apple to optimize each pixel to emit more light at wider angles. As a result, the Apple Watch Series 10 display is up to 40 percent brighter than Series 9 when viewed off-axis. LPTO3 also enables a faster refresh rate when the Apple Watch is in always-on mode, going from once a minute to once a second. This means users can now see a ticking seconds hand without raising their wrist on select watch faces.

Given that the drive TFT directly controls the current that makes the OLED pixels emit light, future iPhones with LTPO3 could see meaningful improvements in battery life and viewing angles. Industry sources indicate that Samsung Display is preparing to develop LTPO3 OLED panels that could potentially be for future iPhone models. However, next year's iPhone 17 series is expected to continue using LTPO2 technology while expanding its adoption across all models, not just the Pro devices.

• 10 Reasons to Wait for Next Year's iPhone 17

Apple has historically tested new display technologies in the Apple Watch before bringing them to the iPhone. For example, the original LTPO displays that debuted in the Apple Watch Series 4 eventually appeared in iPhone 13 Pro models three years later. If and when LPTO3 could make its way to the iPhone, however, remains unclear at this time.

Article Link: iPhone Could Inherit Apple Watch Series 10's Power Efficient Display

 

[antonrg]

It would be great if this technology would come to all iPhones and not just the Pro line.

 

[Paddle1]

Cool. Maybe if we're lucky the standard models can have it by iPhone 20.

 

[orbital~debris]

Apple has historically tested new display technologies in the Apple Watch before bringing them to the iPhone. For example, the original LTPO displays that debuted in the Apple Watch Series 4 eventually appeared in the iPhone 13 Pro series three years later. If and when LPTO3 could make its way to the iPhone, however, remains unclear at this time.

'Cross-pollination' of technologies is one of Apple's biggest strengths, and one they consistently employ to great effect in both hardware and software.

 

[m4mario]

We can be absolutely sure that it will come to other products. If it doesn't, that because there was better tech available.

 

[Marty80]

Sounds like the iPhone is going to have a much brighter future.

 

[cicalinarrot]

Bezels would be huge.

 

[victorvictoria]

We AppleHeads don't need a better display. We need a better battery. And so does everyone else.

 

[wbeasley]

I'm amazed at the Watch 10 battery... i'm regularly getting 48 hours. Once it went into low power mode but still showed time for 56 hours.

I'm almost tempted to turn off OS updates.
my Watch5 had the worst battery life after upgrading to WatchOS 10.
I would end up charging it twice a day compared to OS9 where I'd 17-18 hours on the admittedly aging device.
Oddly the Series 3 Watch continued to have better life than the 5.
Either the battery was underspecced for the Watch or the OS let it do too much for the battery size...

 

[russell_314]

It would be great if this technology would come to all iPhones and not just the Pro line.

The main purpose of the regular iPhone is to make it more affordable. If Apple put all the technology from the Pro into the regular iPhone, it would be the same iPhone with the same price. What’s the point of having a Pro if it has the same features and price of the regular iPhone?

 

[bradman83]

I'm almost tempted to turn off OS updates.
my Watch5 had the worst battery life after upgrading to WatchOS 10.

Battery age probably has more to do with it than an OS update; my first generation SE used to go about 36 hours between charges, but now lasts about 24 between charges, but the battery health is also down to 81%. Given that it can't get watchOS 11 or higher it'll be replaced this holiday season (so long as Santa has his Apple card out).

 

[m4mario]

We AppleHeads don't need a better display. We need a better battery. And so does everyone else.

Or may be we should get off social media. I mean, every time the battery and efficiency has gotten bigger and better, companies put more and more processing into the apps and hacked our brains to using it more and more.

 

[zubikov]

Maybe the iPhone could inherit the sapphire display also??

No? I know wishful thinking.

 

[Seanm87]

We AppleHeads don't need a better display. We need a better battery. And so does everyone else.

My 16 pro max battery is amazing

 

[WarmWinterHat]

We AppleHeads don't need a better display. We need a better battery. And so does everyone else.

I'm good on battery and doubt I got below 20% on my 13 Pro more than a handful of times in the three years I owned it. I haven't been below 50% with my 16 Pro, and I don't charge between waking and bedtime.

Having zero social media apps installed really helps battery life.

 

[endemize]

Maybe the iPhone could inherit the sapphire display also??

No? I know wishful thinking.

This would be a dream. Whatever they do with the sapphire display is amazing. Scratched it so many times and they just disappear after a while.

 

[orbital~debris]

This would be a dream. Whatever they do with the sapphire display is amazing. Scratched it so many times and they just disappear after a while.

It's amazing, right?!
I think those are remnants of the material your Apple Watch's sapphire crystal had friction with, i.e. not scratches!

 

[WarmWinterHat]

This would be a dream. Whatever they do with the sapphire display is amazing. Scratched it so many times and they just disappear after a while.

Is that just the titanium version? I’ve scratched the glass on my aluminum
6 to hell and back from rock climbing, and afraid that I will do the same on a new watch.

 

[Reverend Benny]

The article only mentiones the postivite things, pros with using this new tech. Whats the cons?
Shorter lifespan, more expensive, cost more energy to produce, more fragile? Only guessing here now but would be interesting to know more about it, both good and bad.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Maybe the iPhone could inherit the sapphire display also??

No? I know wishful thinking.

The problem with Sapphire crystal displays is that yes, they are more scratch resistant.
But they are much more prone to shattering and cracking.
Next to price, probably the biggest factor why Apple canceled any attempts to use a sapphire crystal display back during the iPhone 6 era.

 

[russell_314]

Is that just the titanium version? I’ve scratched the glass on my aluminum
6 to hell and back from rock climbing, and afraid that I will do the same on a new watch.

Yes the upgraded stainless steel and now titanium watches get the sapphire crystal. I’m sure the sapphire one will scratch at some point. I don’t see the point of spending the extra money when it’s better off spent upgrading down the line to a newer and better version. If the titanium one had extra features then maybe but just for a fancier case and crystal doesn’t seem worth it. Yes I know people spend tens of thousands of dollars for upgraded mechanical watch cases, but those last decades.

 

[BorisDG]

The most improvements for the screen comes from the materials used. If it's LTPO1/2/3 doesn't matter. It's marketing term. That's why this year's iPhone 16 Pro/Max screen is step forward. It's using M14 materials with new color hosts for improved efficiency and durability.

 

[endemize]

Is that just the titanium version? I’ve scratched the glass on my aluminum
6 to hell and back from rock climbing, and afraid that I will do the same on a new watch.

You need the stainless steel or titanium versions yes.

 

[endemize]

It's amazing, right?!
I think those are remnants of the material your Apple Watch's sapphire crystal had friction with, i.e. not scratches!

I smashed it against a brick wall once. Left massive scuff marks across the glass. They wouldnt clean off no matter what I did. Then a month later I realized they disappeared over time.

 

[cdsapplefan]

It would be great if this technology would come to all iPhones and not just the Pro line.

Maybe one day