Two patent applications from Apple published by the US Patent and Trademark Office show how the iCompany wants to optimize the display of the Apple Watch. One of these patents could possibly already have been incorporated into the next generation.
According to the applications, the image quality and protection against burn-in in OLED displays should be further improved. If Apple enlarges the display but the housing dimensions remain the same, this would lead to a loss of image quality. One of the two patents deals with exactly this problem. According to rumors and recent leaks, the 4th generation of the Apple Watch will have a larger display - so it is conceivable that one of these two patents has already been implemented.
“Pixel Array Antialiasing to Accommodate Curved Display Edges”
Patent 20180246363 is intended to remedy a negative effect of rounded displays. What not everyone knows is that the corners of the Apple Watch display are rounded. If content is displayed on these edges, it is pixelated for the user. So if the display moves closer to the edge when zoomed in, the problem must be circumvented. According to the patent, the iGroup wants to improve the display using "pixel array antialiasing". The result would be an optical smoothing of the screen.
“Compression Techniques for Burn-In on OLED Displays”
The second patent with the number 20180247589 is intended to improve protection against the burn-in effect in OLED displays. The iPhone X already has such technology that protects the screen from this unpleasant side effect - but Apple wants to improve this technology further. The general problem with OLED is that pixels can lose brightness unevenly. The result is color and brightness errors. To prevent this, statistics are to be kept using software. The system is ultimately intended to calculate the wear and tear of the individual LEDs and optimize the display according to the numbers despite the burn-in effect.
Keynote, iPhone XS & Apple Watch 4
The 4th generation of the Apple Watch is due to appear in the fall with larger displays. A topic that has already been the subject of much speculation. The models are expected to enter the market with 1.57″ and 1.78″. This small increase in size is likely to be made possible by a narrower display edge. The heart rate monitor will also be improved. A recent leaked photo shows the upcoming Apple Watch – actually with a larger display. Apple's keynote will take place on September 12th in the Steve Jobs Theater. In addition to new Apple Watch models, three new iPhones are also expected. Two OLED models called the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Plus are expected. The display diagonals are expected to be 5.8" and 6.5". In addition, an almost edgeless LCD iPhone with 6.1" is expected to see the light of day. Compared to the XS models, the LCD iPhone will probably be the product for the mass market, as it will be significantly cheaper. A recent leaked photo shows the two iPhone XS models. This is probably also a graphic for the Apple Online Store.