Author: Chiu Chieh-Hsin | Published: December 25, 2024, 10:51 | Categories: Apple, iPhone, Displays
Earlier reports indicated that Apple is developing a bezel-free iPhone and has asked display suppliers Samsung Display (SDC) and LG Display (LGD) to develop the necessary OLED screens. However, the mass production timeline for this display is still undecided. Apple initially planned to release the bezel-free iPhone between 2025 and 2026, but recent reports from South Korean media suggest the launch could be delayed.
According to The Elec, industry sources claim that if Apple intends to launch the bezel-free iPhone in 2026, technical discussions with panel manufacturers should already be completed. However, those discussions are still ongoing, and the timeline for the release of the bezel-free iPhone could be further delayed.
The report highlights that for Apple’s bezel-free iPhone to work, the device must maintain the current flat sides and angles of the iPhone, making it appear as though the display flows down the sides of the device. This concept is somewhat similar to the display currently used in the Apple Watch.
To meet Apple's requirements, SDC and LGD must use Thin Film Encapsulation (TFE) technology to protect the OLED from moisture and oxygen. They will also need to use optical clear adhesive (OCA) during the bonding process, ensuring that the back of the display matches the curved side sections, while also ensuring sufficient space for the antenna.
One of the biggest challenges is the slow speed in acquiring OCA, as issues with side-view distortion from the OCA process have not been resolved. When the display is designed to flow down the sides of the product, it also faces the challenge of being prone to external impact and potential breakage, which must be addressed.
Some may think this design resembles Samsung’s curved displays in the past, but Apple’s approach is different from Samsung’s technology. Apple does not want a magnifying effect, which occurs if a curved display is used on the iPhone's side, due to optical properties.
In 2021, Xiaomi unveiled the concept of a “quad-curved waterfall display,” but it is not the same as the bezel-free design Apple is aiming for.
To create a bezel-free iPhone, Apple requires all OLED circuits at the edges of the iPhone’s display to be bent beneath the display, while also ensuring proper antenna space and resolving interference issues.
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