Apple Watch may get microLED display, better battery life in 2020

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Apple Watch could be better than ever next year.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch is expected to come with brand new display technology as soon as next year, according to a new report.

Apple is said to be in advanced talks with display makers over bringing microLED screens to its popular wearable. One advantage of the switch will be longer battery life in between charges.

Apple Watch was the first Apple product to employ an OLED display. The technology is ideal for smartwatches because it’s more efficient than LCD screens — but there is a better option.

New microLED screens are said to be even kinder on battery life, and Apple has reportedly been working to bring them to its mobile devices for some time. The move could finally happen in 2020.

Apple Watch to get microLED upgrade

Apple is now in advanced talks with Taiwanese display makers to bring microLED screens to Apple Watch, according to Economic Daily News.

It seems a deal has not yet been done, so microLED screens won’t be gracing Apple Watch this year. But it is believed that the technology will arrive with 2020’s Apple Watch refresh.

Apple is expected to bring microLED screens to iPhone and other devices later on.

It’s not yet clear which suppliers Apple might be working with, but the report claims that at least one said they are in contact with the U.S. smartwatch industry.

Why microLED?

There are a number of reasons why Apple is pursuing microLED as a replacement for OLED displays. Not only are microLED screens brighter, but they are also more energy-efficient.

That makes them perfect for Apple Watch, which must be visible outdoors in bright sunlight, and relies on a tiny battery to keep everything running throughout the day.

Another advantage microLED screens have is that they are less susceptible to burn-in. Older OLED panels were plagued by this problem, though newer screens are much better at preventing it.

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