Apple Tests 1.5″ OLED iWatch Display

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Apple is currently testing a 1.5″ OLED display for the highly anticipated iWatch according to Taiwanese newspaper the Economic Daily Times. Apparently, a 1.8″ OLED iWatch display from RiTdisplay was initially being tested, but was ultimately rejected as Apple thought the screen was too large. This news provides a little fodder for those eagerly waiting for Apple to release a smartwatch of its own.

Apple surely tests a large variety of components as its designs progress from concept to final product. However, Apple’s use of a 1.5″ square iWatch display for a prototype smartwatch is somewhat surprising as the industry fortunetellers have come to expect a flexible display that would encompass the wearer’s wrist as illustrated in Apple’s recent acquisition of a patent for “slap bracelet” smartwatch technology that has been perceived to be perfect for an iWatch offering. Nonetheless, a large square display does not necessarily preclude additional flexible iWatch displays to be incorporated into a curved band. Although, such a design would seem to be at odds with Apple’s “sophistication through simplicity” artistic philosophy.

The Economic Daily Times also claims that Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn has received an order to produce 1,000 iWatch trial units to be put through the paces by the Apple beta-testing elite. It will be interesting to see if blurry iWatch photos from the wild begin to appear in techno Twitter feeds before long … legitimate or fake.

Although any news regarding the progression toward production and release of an Apple iWatch is exciting, if this information regarding potential new iWatch display testing and 1,000 Foxconn prototypes is true, then the potential release date has been pushed back to this winter at the earliest. For those who were hoping to see the iWatch released at the upcoming WWDC, you will have to wait a little bit longer.

In the mean time, here is a compilation of iWatch display concepts for you to peruse …

Source

Apple iWatch: [Company Website]

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Jon is the Editor-In-Chief at Wear Guide and writes about wearable technology On Your Arm.  Jon has a M.S. in Computer Science, won several intercollegiate events as a member of the UCLA Cycling Team, and is currently active on the USA Triathlon circuit which provides him the opportunity to field-test wearables under grueling conditions. Jon also writes for our sister publication Electric.guide. Send tips and story ideas to Jon at: [email protected]