Imagine having an Apple Watch that takes advantage of part of its strap to show more notifications, contextual information, alternative uses, etc. This concept of a multi-functional Apple Watch strap has been discussed before, and now it seems that Apple is exploring this idea further with its latest patent.
The patent, which is over 20 pages long and contains over a thousand words, outlines Apple’s future plan for a strap-display for the Apple Watch. The display module described in the patent includes a display substrate with a front surface, a rear surface, and a display area on the front surface. The display substrate has a series of interconnects that extend through it from the front surface to the rear surface. The display area contains an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), which are electrically connected to the interconnects. Additionally, one or more control circuits are located on the rear surface of the display substrate.
The patent suggests that this strap-display could have various applications, including portable, roll-up, and folding screens. This means that the display on the strap could be flexible and cover a larger area compared to the current rigid display on the face of the Apple Watch. This would be a significant innovation for the Apple Watch, as it would greatly increase the viewing area and provide more opportunities for displaying information.
To achieve this flexible display, Apple may need to use new manufacturing materials and opt for an OLED panel. OLED technology typically includes a layer of an organic compound on a pixel area, as well as a back panel of thin-film transistors (TFTs) to control each pixel. OLED screens don’t require a backlight and can display deep black levels. However, the organic compound layer in OLED displays is sensitive to air and moisture, which can lead to screen degradation. Therefore, OLED displays are typically encapsulated with a rigid glass cover to protect the organic compound. It remains to be seen how Apple will address these challenges with a flexible display on the strap.
The strap-display would also include a graphical user interface (GUI) manager to control the information displayed on the display substrate. This means that the information shown on the strap-display could be customized and tailored to the user’s preferences. This opens up a whole new range of possibilities for the Apple Watch, allowing it to provide even more useful and personalized information to the user.
Overall, this patent suggests that Apple is actively exploring the idea of incorporating a strap-display into future Apple Watch models. While there is no official confirmation that this feature will be included in the next Apple Watch release, it is an exciting development that could significantly enhance the functionality and user experience of the Apple Watch.
In conclusion, Apple’s latest patent reveals its plans for a strap-display for the Apple Watch. This innovative feature would provide a flexible display module on the strap, allowing for a larger viewing area and more customizable information. While it remains to be seen when this feature will be implemented in the Apple Watch, it is clear that Apple is continuously looking for ways to improve and expand the capabilities of its popular smartwatch. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Apple Watch and its potential strap-display.
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