The highly anticipated “zero-bezel” iPhone, featuring an edge-to-edge OLED display, is likely further away than previously predicted. New industry reports suggest that the technology needed for this futuristic design isn’t ready for prime time, pushing the potential release date into an uncertain future.
Originally, rumors from Korean supply chain sources pointed to a 2025-2026 launch window for this revolutionary iPhone. However, a report from South Korean publication The Elec, which initially revealed the existence of this “zero-bezel” display, now states the launch is unpredictable. They cite the technology being “not yet developed enough” for mass production.
While both Samsung and LG are actively developing potential display candidates, neither company has started mass production. This suggests that the all-screen iPhone display may not be ready for market, and subsequently implemented in an iPhone model, until 2025 or even later, possibly 2026.
Vivo Nex 3 bezel less display.A 2019 production-grade phone, the Vivo Nex 3, demonstrates a bezel-less design on two sides.
Unlike some Chinese manufacturers who have experimented with extreme display curves to achieve impressive screen-to-body ratios, Apple is expected to maintain a flat-edged design with gentle curves, similar to the Apple Watch Series 10. This approach aims to minimize optical distortions along the curved edges when viewed off-axis.
However, manufacturers, including Samsung, are facing significant technical hurdles. A key challenge is integrating not only the front-facing camera but also the entire Face ID array under the active display area without compromising performance. Samsung is reportedly struggling with “transmittance,” ensuring the front camera can capture high-quality images despite being positioned beneath the display pixels.
Further complicating matters, Apple requires thin film encapsulation (TPE) to protect the delicate OLEDs from moisture, and optical clear adhesive (OCA) to maintain color accuracy and prevent chromatic distortion along the subtly curved edges. These demanding specifications add another layer of complexity to the manufacturing process.
Finally, durability remains a concern with these edge-to-edge displays. Apple will undoubtedly need to address this issue before introducing the technology to its user base. Until these challenges are overcome, the release of the zero-bezel iPhone is likely to remain on hold, despite the excitement surrounding the concept.
In conclusion, while the dream of a truly bezel-less iPhone remains alive, the realization of this innovative design faces significant technological obstacles. The timeline for its eventual arrival remains uncertain, depending on the ability of manufacturers to overcome these challenges and meet Apple’s stringent quality standards.
