Apple iWatch Rumors: Smart Watch Could Feature OLED Display With Different Screen Sizes For Men And Women

Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) highly rumored smart watch, dubbed the “iWatch,” could feature an organic light-emitting diode, or OLED, display and might be available in two different screen sizes for men and women, according to an analyst.

Citing David Hsieh of NPD DisplaySearch, Korea Herald reported that the iWatch could sport a screen size of 1.7 inches for men and 1.3 inches for women. According to the report, Hsieh shared the information at an industry conference in Taiwan on Wednesday, citing sources inside Apple.

The report said that it is still unclear whether the displays to be used on the iWatch would be flexible or not. However, some sources also have claimed that it could be a possibility as Apple would attempt to outshine Samsung’s (KRX:005935) Galaxy Gear.

In October, a report from DisplaySearch suggested that Apple is expected to revamp the displays for many of its products within the next year. The report claimed that 1.3-inch and 1.6-inch iWatch models could be launched in late 2014 with flexible 320x320 AMOLED displays.

The Korea Herald also reported recently that Apple’s iWatch could feature flexible OLED screens made by LG Display (NYSE:LPL) as both companies are closing in on a deal related to the product. According to the report, LG would not be the sole supplier for the displays as Taiwan’s RiTDisplay is also rumored to be a major contender to become a supplier of the device’s screens.

The OLED screens could offer a significant technological boost to the iWatch as they do not need a backlight, making them more power efficient compared to traditional LCD IPS displays used on iPhones, iPads and Macs.

Earlier this year, Apple hired Jeung Jil Lee, a senior OLED expert from LG Display. The hiring sparked rumors that the company was considering using the display technology in its new product categories. In addition, Apple recently filed for a patent titled “organic light emitting diode display having photodiodes,” which described an OLED-embedded sensor.

According to rumors, the iWatch could incorporate many biometric sensors, and is expected to function as a stand-alone product, unlike the Galaxy Gear, which depends on other Samsung devices.

In May, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the iWatch could hit markets in the second half of 2014. Wanli Wang, an analyst at CIMB Group, subsequently supported Kuo’s prediction, adding that the device could cost between $149 and $229.