When used intensively, smartwatches have to be plugged in far too often. But that doesn’t have to be the case, according to the manufacturer Garmin. An existing concept is to be refined in order to significantly increase battery life. Tiny solar cells in the OLED display make the difference.

Garmin: Load smartwatch display with sun

Some premium Garmin smartwatches already use displays that support the battery during operation via solar power. However, this is not yet the case with OLED screens. Now the manufacturer has applied for a patent for a new technology that is intended to eliminate this weakness. the Battery life should increase noticeably.

Unlike Garmin’s Fenix ​​series, for example, which is already based on solar energy, the patent that has now been published describes a solution for “energy-collecting display modules” that between the sub-pixels of the display be placed on a smartwatch (source: TechRadar). So far, Garmin has still used a photovoltaic layer between the MIP display (memory-in-pixel) and the glass cover of the smartwatch.

Should Garmin’s solar technology prevail, customers will no longer have to choose between a longer battery life and an OLED display. According to the patent description, the manufacturer also imagines his to use solar displays in other device classes. Smartphones are not explicitly mentioned here, but should be meant. Garmin could license the technology to other manufacturers.

The Garmin Fenix ​​7 already relies on solar energy:

Garmin’s solar smartwatches are still really expensive

Garmin current Premium model with solar and touch display costs at least 799.99 euros in Germany (view at Garmin). For this price, the manufacturer promises one Battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode. The conventional variant without a solar add-on is available for EUR 699.99 and, according to Garmin, has a runtime of eleven days.