Apple started the trend of thin bezels on its phones in 2017. It started with the iPhone X, which had much thinner bezels than its predecessors and the competition. Since then, the design of iPhones hasn’t changed much. The bezels were reduced iteratively, and the same was true for the notch.
Apple’s goal was to gradually reduce the bezels until they practically vanished from sight. Apple has been working with LG and Samsung to make the zero-bezel iPhone a reality. However, it looks like this revolutionary iPhone is still a few years away. According to a Korean news outlet, The Elec, the development of this technology has been hindered.
Zero-bezel iPhone delayed
Both LG and Samsung need to achieve two existing technologies in their display manufacturing. Optical Clear Adhesive (OCA) is used to bond transparent adhesive films around curved edges, and Thin Film Encapsulation (TFE) is used to protect OLED displays from environmental damage. Companies need to implement these while leaving adequate space for the iPhone’s other internal components.
The zero-bezel iPhone has been delayed particularly due to the OCA technology causing issues. The current solution suffers from side-view distortions. Additionally, the engineers also have to work on the impact damage concerns. Had it not for these issues, Apple’s intention is to mass produce these displays in 2026 and put them in work with the iPhone 18.
Apple’s technology is intended to be different from any of the zero-bezel phones we see in the market today. Phones that achieve zero bezel-like design right now have various issues. Accidental touches, higher fragility, and a magnifying glass distortion effect at the edges, to name a few. Although we have seen an advancement from curved to quad-curved displays recently, they still carry a similar set of issues on a milder scale.
Apple’s display technology is also said to have a unique design whilst keeping the iPhone’s signature angular sides with a flat display. It is reportedly said to be similar to the current Apple Watch design, with the screen seamlessly extending over the edges. Some insiders also described the intended design as “pebble-like.”
