Apple’s vision of creating an iPhone with one completely borderless screen appears to face significant obstacles. According to a new report from The Electhe ambitious technology may not be ready in time for the launch of theiPhone 18scheduled for 2026. This delay marks a setback for Apple, which has been working for years to eliminate bezels from its devices entirely.
Apple is partnering with Samsung Display e LG Display to develop a revolutionary display that offers a completely borderless surface, without compromising the iconic design and functionality of the iPhone. However, Apple’s vision differs significantly from curved displays already on the market, such as the concept “quad-curved waterfall” from Xiaomi or the curved models from Samsung.
Apple’s design aims for a unique and modern aesthetic, described by insiders as “pebble effect”where the display extends smoothly towards the edges without curving like in existing solutions. This approach aims to preserve the characteristic flat display and angular sides of the iPhone, extending the screen to the edges, similar to what has already been seen on theApple Watch.
Despite the project’s ambition, the development of the technology has encountered numerous obstacles. Apple’s suppliers face challenges adapting two key technologies:
- Thin Film Encapsulation (TFE): Required to protect OLED displays from environmental damage.
- Optical Clear Adhesive (OCA): Used to glue transparent films on curved edges.
In particular, the OCA development process has proven problematic, with issues related to:
- Visual distortions sides, which compromise the visual experience.
- Impact resistancestill insufficient to protect the edges of the screen.
Another obstacle is represented by theintegration of internal componentssuch as the iPhone antenna, which require additional space. These issues made it difficult to meet the expected timescale for completing the technology.
Apple initially aimed to introduce the “zero-bezel” display on theiPhone 18 in 2026, with mass production expected to start in the coming months. However, negotiations with display manufacturers such as Samsung and LG have not yet been finalized, suggesting that the project will face further delays.
According to industry experts, the wait to see a completely bezel-free iPhone could last beyond 2026.
Apple’s commitment to eliminating bezels on its devices reflects its desire to push the limits of current technology. If realized, the “zero-bezel” display would represent not only an aesthetic achievement, but also a major step forward for the user experience, offering a futuristic design and a distraction-free viewing surface.
However, the project demonstrates how complex it is to introduce innovations of this magnitude, especially when trying to avoid compromises in terms of functionality, resistance and visual quality.
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Source: www.iphoneitalia.com
