Apples ambitious plan to launch a completely frameless iPhone has been delayed beyond 2026 due to significant technical challenges, dashing hopes for an earlier release of iPhone with an all-screen design.
According to The Elec, major monitor manufacturers Samsung Display and LG Display struggling to develop the necessary technology for Apple’s unique vision of a bezel-less display that maintains a flat profile while extending beyond the edges, similar to Apple Watch design.
The technical hurdles include developing effective thin-film encapsulation to protect OLED displays from moisture and creating suitable optically clear adhesive for bonding. Elec reports that these challenges have prevented Apple from completing technical discussions with its display partners, a crucial step that should have been completed by now for a 2026 launch.
Unlike existing smartphones with curved screens, 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 range in an increasingly competitive smartphone market. While the upcoming iPhone 17 series expected to have reduced bezels, completely eliminating screen bezels is still a distant goal.
Rumors suggest that the bezel-less iPhone may not arrive until 2027 or later, as manufacturers work to overcome these technical hurdles while meeting Apple’s exacting standards for image quality and durability.
