Tim Hardwick
Apple's plans for an iPhone with a completely bezel-less display are reportedly facing significant technical challenges, with a new report suggesting the technology may not be ready by 2026 as previously thought.
2021 Xiaomi concept phone with curved Quad-Waterfall Display
Apple has seemingly been trying to reduce the bezels on its iPhone models for years until they disappear from sight, but it looks like the first “zero bezel” iPhone is still a few years away. According to Korean publication The Elec, Apple is partnering with Samsung Display and LG Display to develop a revolutionary screen technology, but the work has hit a snag.
Apple’s vision is reportedly significantly different from existing implementations of curved displays, such as those previously used in Samsung smartphones or Xiaomi’s “quad-curved waterfall display” concept. The iPhone maker is specifically working to avoid the “magnifying glass effect” that typically occurs on curved display edges, like those already seen on some smartphones.
Unlike typical curved-edge phones, Apple is said to be envisioning a unique design that retains the iPhone’s signature flat display and angular sides while seamlessly extending the screen beyond the edges, similar to the current Apple Watch design. Some industry insiders have reportedly described the intended aesthetic as “pebble-like.”
However, technical challenges apparently remain significant. Samsung Display and LG Display must adapt two existing technologies, including thin-film encapsulation (TFE) to protect OLED displays from environmental influences and optical clear adhesive (OCA) to bond transparent adhesive films around curved edges. Suppliers must also ensure there is enough space for components like the iPhone's antenna.
Developing OCA technology in particular has reportedly proven problematic, as current solutions suffer from side-view distortion issues, and engineers have yet to solve impact damage issues for the wrap-around display design.
Apple had planned to begin mass production by the time the displays appear on the iPhone 18 in 2026, but discussions with display makers would have to be completed by now to achieve that. However, industry insiders say those talks are still ongoing, suggesting that the timeline for introducing the zero bezel technology to the iPhone is likely to be pushed back further.
Tag: The Elec[ 109 comments ]
