LTPO stands for Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide. LTPO is a type of backplane technology in OLED displays.
LTPO is a material that reduces power consumption at low refresh rates. Apple has named the OLED displays in the new Apple Watch Series 10 lineup "LTPO3" to distinguish them from the LTPO2 displays used in the Apple Watch Series 9 and iPhone 16 Pro.
This technology allows Apple to optimize each pixel to emit more light at a wider viewing angle. As a result, the Apple Watch Series 10 display is up to 40% brighter than the Series 9 when viewed from an angle.
LTPO3 also allows for a faster refresh rate when the Apple Watch is in always-on mode, moving from every minute to every second. This means users can see the ticking second hand without having to raise their wrist on some watch faces.
Future iPhone models with LTPO3 could significantly improve battery life and viewing angles, industry watchers say. Sources say Samsung Display is preparing to develop LTPO3 OLED panels that could be used in future iPhone models. However, the iPhone 17 series next year is expected to still use LTPO2 technology and apply it to all models, not just the Pro versions.
Apple often tests new display technologies on the Apple Watch before using them on the iPhone. For example, LTPO screens first appeared on the Apple Watch Series 4 and then appeared on the iPhone 13 Pro three years later. However, it is unclear when LTPO3 will be applied to the iPhone.
