Apple’s Futuristic iPhone Display May Be Delayed

If you’re eager to own an iPhone that features a completely bezel-less display, you might have to adjust your expectations for the timeline. Recent reports indicate that the anticipated launch of Apple’s innovative OLED display designed to eliminate bezels has been pushed even further into the future than previously anticipated.

According to a South Korean news source, The Elec, which first brought attention to the possibility of a bezel-free display for the iPhone, the release date is now uncertain as the necessary technology has yet to reach a sufficient level of maturity for production.

The source did not entirely negate the existence of this sought-after iPhone display. Both Samsung and LG are reported to be actively developing potential designs. However, production on a large scale has not commenced, meaning that a true all-screen iPhone model might not materialize until 2025 or even beyond.

The idea of a bezel-less iPhone has been a vision for many concept designers for nearly a decade. Recently in 2023, rumors surfaced from the South Korean supply chain suggesting that Apple has become genuinely intrigued by the idea, leading to projections for a launch between 2025 and 2026.

In contrast to certain Chinese manufacturers who have attempted extreme curvature to achieve high screen-to-body ratios, Apple is rumored to prefer a design with flat edges and subtle curves akin to the Apple Watch Series 10. This choice aims to reduce optical distortions that may occur at the edges when viewed from various angles.

Despite the excitement surrounding this potential advancement, manufacturers like Samsung are encountering significant technical hurdles with the zero-bezel display. One major challenge includes integrating not only the front-facing camera but also the Face ID sensors beneath the display area. Samsung is reportedly facing difficulties with the “transmittance” issue, which is the front camera’s capability to function effectively while hidden behind active pixels.

Moreover, Apple has specifically requested the use of thin film encapsulation (TPE) – a protective coating preventing moisture from reaching the organic LEDs – along with optical clear adhesive (OCA) to ensure vibrant colors and eliminate chromatic distortions along the gently curved edges.

Durability of these displays is also a concern that Apple must address before unveiling this technology to consumers. Until these challenges are resolved, it seems unlikely that Apple will make any drastic changes, regardless of how appealing the concept may be.