Apple's ambition to develop a zero-bezel iPhone by 2026 is encountering significant challenges, making such a release unlikely within that timeframe. The company has tasked its primary display suppliers, Samsung Display and LG Display, with creating OLED panels that eliminate bezels entirely while maintaining the iPhone's signature flat design. This contrasts with the curved displays some manufacturers use to achieve minimal bezels.
Achieving a truly bezel-less design requires advancements in several key technologies:
- Thin Film Encapsulation (TFE): This protective layer shields OLED displays from moisture and oxygen. To facilitate a bezel-free design, TFE must become thinner without compromising durability.
- Under-Panel Camera (UPC) Technology: Integrating the front camera beneath the display is essential for a seamless screen. However, current UPC implementations often result in reduced image quality and visible disparities in display uniformity.
- Circuit and Antenna Placement: In the absence of bezels, accommodating necessary components like antennas and display circuits becomes more complex. These elements must be repositioned to avoid interference and maintain device performance.
A Samsung Display official highlighted these challenges, stating that achieving zero bezels necessitates increasing the light transmission rate of under-panel cameras and optimizing pixel structures, among other technical hurdles.
Given these obstacles, industry insiders suggest that while Apple is committed to a bezel-less iPhone, the necessary technological advancements are unlikely to be ready for a 2026 release. Consequently, consumers may need to wait longer for an iPhone that offers a completely bezel-free experience.