Apple testing 1.5-inch smartwatch screens: report

Apple is examining the potential of smaller, OLED displays for the upcoming ‘iWatch.'

Apple is examining the potential of smaller, OLED displays for the upcoming 'iWatch.'

New reports or even fantastical rumors have been pretty thin on the ground of late surrounding Apple's potential foray into the smartwatch market. However, Japanese blog Macotakara has stumbled upon a report hailing from the Economic Times (a Taiwanese publication) which claims that Apple is currently playing around with 1.5-inch OLED displays. Economic Times cites sources at supplier RITEK who claim Apple is putting smaller-panel screens through their paces as it chooses the final design for its upcoming watch. BGR, which spotted Macotakara's initial post, also highlights that earlier rumors surrounding the 'iWatch' had pointed to a larger display, closer to 2 inches.

Stories that appeared at the beginning of the year, most notably in the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg (two publications that Apple does have a history of briefing off the record), first broke the news that a smartwatch was in development and that the device would have a curved screen consistent with the wearer's wrist. Since those initial reports surfaced, stories have appeared linking Google, Microsoft, Samsung and LG with similar products, all of which are expected to launch before the end of this year.

While the market for wearable technology is expected to explode in the coming months, it is still unclear what any of these rumored smartwatches would do or how they could effectively replace or combine with a traditional smartphone. Similar questions have been raised about Google's smart headset, Google Glass, which offers no essential functionality not already standard on most mid-range smartphones, other than hands-free use.