Apple Watch Series 3 to adopt new display technology

By

Apple Watch
Apple is making another display change for this year's Apple Watch.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch Series 3 will ship with a new display technology as Apple looks to move away from the “touch-on-lens” (TOL) panels it adopted for Series 2.

Not only are TOL displays more expensive than alternate solutions, but Apple’s manufacturing partners are struggling to produce enough to meet demand. Apple is instead expected to switch to “glass-film” displays for its next model.

Apple has been using TOL panels for less than a year; they replaced the “glass-on-glass” displays that were utilized in the original Apple Watch. However, the curved cover glass Apple uses for its wearables makes manufacturing TOL panels more difficult.

So difficult, in fact, that one of Apple’s biggest manufacturing partners, TPK Holding, lost money on TOL panel production last year. It is now said to be giving up on the technology entirely and moving away from Apple Watch manufacturing.

“In order to return to profitability, TPK will focus on 3D sensor-based touch panels for smartphones with OLED displays in 2017 and give up production of touch panels for Apple Watch,” reports DigiTimesciting sources in Apple’s supply chain.

As a result of this, and the low yield rates of TOL displays, Apple is expected to adopt glass-film panels manufactured by General Interface Solution or Biel Crystal Manufactory for Apple Watch Series 3. Shipments will reportedly begin in the second half of 2017.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.