Apple’s latest innovation, LTPO3 display technology, is making waves in the tech world. First introduced in the Apple Watch Series 10, this advanced display technology boasts improved power efficiency and visual performance, setting the stage for a potential future upgrade to iPhones.
On the flagship Apple Watch Series 10, LTPO3 empowers Apple to optimize each pixel for brighter, wider-angle viewing while simultaneously boosting battery efficiency. The result? A display that shines 40% brighter than the previous Apple Watch Series 9, which utilized the older LTPO2 technology. LTPO3 also enables a smoother and faster refresh rate in the always-on mode, further enhancing the user experience.
Delving into the technical aspects, LTPO2 relies on two thin-film transistors (TFTs), whereas LTPO3 employs a more efficient oxide-based version for direct control of the current emitted from the display’s OLED element. This translates to significant improvements in power management and overall display performance.
While the iPhone 16 Pro series currently features LTPO2 technology, industry insiders predict that the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro series in 2025 will continue to utilize this technology. Therefore, the earliest we might witness the implementation of LTPO3 on iPhones is with the iPhone 18 release in 2026.
Samsung Display, a longtime supplier of Apple Watch displays, is notably absent in the Apple Watch Series 10. However, industry sources anticipate Samsung playing a pivotal role in the production of the 2025 Apple Watch Series 11. This could potentially lead to Samsung supplying displays for the iPhone 18 series and beyond, although nothing is confirmed at this stage.
Although the LTPO3 feature on the Apple Watch Series 10 is reported to enhance battery efficiency, it doesn’t appear to extend the overall battery life. The Apple Watch Series 10 delivers a battery life of up to 18 hours between charges, mirroring the performance of other models in the series. The potential impact of LTPO3 on battery life in future iPhones remains to be seen.
The introduction of LTPO3 on the Apple Watch Series 10 suggests that Apple is serious about incorporating this technology into its future products. As we inch closer to the potential iPhone 18 launch in 2026, speculation and anticipation around the arrival of LTPO3 on iPhones will undoubtedly continue to grow.