If rumors are to be believed, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) is reportedly developing micro LED panels actively for the upcoming version of Apple Watch 2. According to a leading tech portal, the Cupertino-based company will probably replace the existing OLED displays with micro-LED panels.
Expected to be available during the second half of 2017, the micro-LED panel size ranges from 1-micron to 100-micron. Moreover, the production cost is higher than the currently available OLED panels but the device will be slimmer and will have an enhanced battery life. The devices manufactured with micro-LED panels will have a higher brightness and are difficult to manufacture.
The integration of micro LED panels in the Apple Watch assumed significance after Apple acquired US-based LuxVue Technologies, which design and develops micro-LEDs for gadgets. According to reports, Apple had already established a lab in northern Taiwan for R&D of new display technology.
In addition to micro LED panel in Apple Watch 2, the company is also planning to integrate wireless charging capability in the upcoming iPhone 8 but unlikely to be available for iPhone 7.
It remains to be seen as to whether Apple Watch will be released along with the upcoming launch of iPhone 7. However, the possibility is slim since the currently circulating rumor is only a part of the speculation.
The reports suggest that the iPhone 7 will have the same feature, design and functionality like in the existing iPhone 6s.
Even though Apple is expected to add several improvements during the final stages of manufacturing, the upcoming iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will not be equipped with huge design changes.
You can expect the same display size of 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays. However, there are reports that the upcoming iPhone 7 will feature an improved and faster processor with the ability to uninstall default apps.
Commenting on the development, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that the iPhone 7 Plus will feature two rear cameras for the 5.5-inch display variant. Moreover, the iPhone 7 will feature reduced antenna banding and new deep blue color option.
According to reports coming in, the upcoming iPhone 8 will offer enhanced design modifications such as an edge-to-edge super OLED display panel and improved fingerprint sensor to coincide with the 10th anniversary of iPhones in 2017. Also in April 2015, Apple dropped the prices of its smart watches and also introduced new Nylon bands.
Apple will launch iPhone 7 in September loaded with iOS 10. We can expect the launch of Apple Watch 2 before the end of Q2 2017 and iPhone 8 in September 2017.