The world got its first Apple Watch in 2015 and in 2016, the company launched its Apple Watch Series 2. Going by the tradition iFans and tech enthusiasts are expecting to see the launch of Apple Watch Series 3 this year.

Not much is known about Apple Watch Series 3 but a leak has now surfaced online, offering a little titbit about the rumored smartwatch.  According to the rumor, the company may opt for glass-film touch display in Apple Watch series 3 instead of a touch on lens (TOL) panel.

Apple Supplier To Quit Production For Apple Smartwatch

According to a report from Digitimes, which cites suppliers, TPK Holding may stop production of TOL panels for the Apple Watch.

TPK, which has been Apple's dealer for G/G or two pieces of glass touch panels, is mulling over its decision to quit production for the smartwatch as it has not been able to raise sufficient profits to produce enough displays that can be deployed in the Apple Watch. Some speculate this to be the reason behind the supply constraint Apple Watch has been facing for some time.

The Apple supplier was facing trouble in increasing yield rates for TOL panels as the curved surface of Apple Watch screens were making the manufacturing of the touch sensors much more complicated than usual. The low yield rates resulted in losses for TPK in 2016.

The report also states that Apple after considering the yield and cost rates may now opt to install glass-film touch displays on the next-gen smartwatch instead of TOL, which uses two pieces of glass on the display.

Reports also suggest that two companies - General Interface Solution based in Taiwan and Biel Crystal Manufactory based in Hong Kong - are being considered by Apple to make the glass film for its upcoming Apple Watch Series 3.

Rumors are rife that Apple Watch Series 3 is likely to get launched in the second half of 2017.

Apple Watch Series 3 Rumors

Rumors pertaining to Apple Watch Series 3 stated that the upcoming smartwatch may come with an extended battery life, which may support loads of other activities on the wearable.

Per a Tech Times report, a patent was filed by Apple to get approval for the production of an inductive charger, which may be used in the strap of the smartwatch.  The patent, although filed by Apple in 2015, received approval on Feb. 2 this year from the U.S. Patent and Trademark office (USPTO).

The images on the patent filing revealed that a tiny wire will be connecting the battery on the strap to the back of the device, assumed to be Apple Watch Series 3. 

Photo: LWYang | Flickr