LG Display is developing high-mobility oxide (HMO) thin-film transistor backplane technology that could significantly improve Apple Watch battery performance. Industry sources indicate the company has installed equipment at its Gen-6 production line for development and verification, with commercial shipments potentially beginning in 2027.

HMO represents the next evolution beyond low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) TFT, which currently powers Apple's OLED displays. The new technology leverages oxide TFT's low power consumption while solving electron mobility limitations that have historically constrained performance. This enables fast electrical signal switching comparable to LTPO while reducing energy usage.

Manufacturing costs drop with HMO because it uses sputtering deposition techniques already common in oxide processes, eliminating the need for complex laser crystallization and ion implantation required for LTPO panels. This simplifies production and allows easier adaptation to existing manufacturing lines.

Apple typically tests new display technologies on the Apple Watch before iPhone adoption, and Samsung Display will likely join LG as a supplier to diversify Apple's sourcing. The result could be noticeably longer battery life and potentially higher resolution screens for future wearables.