Apple‘s ambitious plan to launch a completely bezel-free iPhone has been delayed beyond 2026 due to significant technical challenges, shattering hopes for an earlier release of the iPhone with an all-screen design.
According to The Elec, key display manufacturers Samsung Display and LG Display are struggling to develop the necessary technology for Apple’s unique vision of a zero-bezel screen that maintains a flat profile while extending over the edges, similar to the Apple Watch design.
The technical hurdles include developing effective thin film encapsulation to protect OLED displays from moisture and creating suitable optical clear adhesive for bonding. The Elec reports that these challenges have prevented Apple from finalizing technical discussions with its display partners, a crucial step that should have been completed by now for a 2026 launch.
Unlike existing curved-screen smartphones, Apple aims to avoid the “magnifying glass effect” commonly seen on devices with heavily curved edges. The company’s design requires complex engineering solutions to accommodate antenna placement and resolve potential interference issues while maintaining structural integrity.
The setback affects Apple’s broader strategy to differentiate its flagship iPhone lineup in an increasingly competitive smartphone market. While the upcoming iPhone 17 series is expected to feature reduced bezels, the complete elimination of screen borders remains a distant goal.
Rumours suggest the bezel-free iPhone might not arrive until 2027 or later, as manufacturers work to overcome these technical obstacles while meeting Apple’s exacting standards for display quality and durability.