Apple, Inc. May Use TPK To Supply iWatch Panels

Feb 20, 2014

Another rumor involving Apple’s purported iWatch hit the internet today: Apple Inc. is rumored to get TPK to provide silver nanowire technology for their upcoming smartwatch. This latest report comes from unnamed sources as told to the China Times.

TPK expected to increase panel production

It’s predicted TPK will increase production of next generation sensors during the second quarter of 2014. The company will manufacture the panels via subsidiary firm TPK Films. The initial manufacturing output will be about 2 million panels a month. The films are made from a mesh of silver wires that approximately measure one nanometer in diameter. Not surprisingly, silver nanowire-based touch films have advantages over designs made from oxide tin. This material is clear and has good conductivity which means the displays won’t need additional sensors.

Another plus for silver nanowire films is flexibility. It’s this flexibility that allows the films to conform with uneven displays including curved or multi-faceted displays.

TPK is a trusted source for Apple

Kelly Hodgkins for MacRumors added, “Last year, TPK signed a deal with Japanese firm Nissha Printing to start producing silver nanowire touchscreen displays. Production will ramp up in Q2 2014, with a manufacturing output of two million 6-inch touch panels per month.”

TPK is one of the leading touch panel manufacturers by volume. It’s also been the company that’s supplied Apple Inc. with panels for years. This Taiwan-based tech company was one of the key suppliers for the original iPad as well as key supplier for the panels featured on iPhone 4S.

The iWatch is one of the most anticipated Apple Inc. gadgets of the year and for good reason. This device could take Apple to new heights as a companion device for the iPhone. However, the iWatch may not be the only big new device of the year. There is speculation Apple Inc. could release fitness-tracking headphones that are designed to monitor the wearer’s health stats.

Source: Value Walk