According to the Korean site The Elec (via MacRumors), the LTPO3 display technology, which was first used in the Apple Watch Series 10, can also be adapted for future iPhone devices. This new technology works to improve power efficiency and screen performance.
In the flagship Apple Watch Series 10, LTPO3 allows Apple to improve every pixel to emit more light at wider angles and enhance battery efficiency. As a result, the screen has become 40% brighter than the previous model, the Apple Watch Series 9, which uses LTPO2. The latest technology also allows for a faster refresh rate when the watch is in always-on mode.
Technically, LTPO2 uses two thin-film transistors (TFTs), while LTPO3 uses a more efficient oxide-based version. It can directly control the current to emit light from the OLED element of the screen.
The iPhone 16 Pro series uses LTPO2, and it is not expected to change in the iPhone 17 Pro series for 2025. Therefore, the closest we may see LTPO3 on iPhone devices is the iPhone 18 in 2026.
Samsung Display, which previously supplied screens for Apple watches, is not involved in the Apple Watch Series 10. However, industry sources believe that Samsung will be at the forefront when it comes time to start producing the Apple Watch Series 11 in 2025. From there, they could provide screens for the iPhone 18 series and beyond, although nothing has been confirmed.
It has been reported that the LTPO3 feature in the Apple Watch Series 10 works to improve battery efficiency; however, it does not seem to increase battery life. The Apple Watch Series 10 provides up to 18 hours of battery life between charges, similar to other models in the series. It remains to be seen whether LTPO3 will achieve similar or improved results on future iPhone devices.
