Apple is said to be working on Micro LED panels which, for Apple Watch models released in mid-2017 or later, could take the place of the OLED displays that feature in the current Apple Watch.
This news comes from DigiTimes, which cites Taiwan-based manufacturers in the supply chain. The sources have reportedly revealed that Apple has been able to embark on this development having, in May 2014, acquired the US-based Micro LED maker LuxVue Technology.
Corroborating earlier evidence, the sources added that, in April 2015, Apple set up a laboratory in northern Taiwan for work on new display technologies. While Micro LED panels are said to be pricier to produce than OLED alternatives, they can also display better resolutions, brightness and color gamut.
Nonetheless, DigiTimes’ sources have specified the second half of 2017 “at the earliest” as the probable date when Apple will adopt Micro LED panels for what might ultimately be called the Apple Watch 3.