Apple’s quest for a bezel-less iPhone is driven by the desire to offer users a more immersive and seamless display experience. The journey began with the launch of the iPhone X in 2017, which introduced a new design language for iPhones with slim side bezels and a distinctive notch at the top. The notch housed essential components such as the front-facing camera, Face ID sensors, and earpiece speaker.

The iPhone X: A New Design Language with Notch and Slim Bezels

Since then, Apple has refined the design in subsequent iPhone models, making incremental changes to reduce the size of the notch and improve the screen-to-body ratio. The recent iPhone 14 Pro series featured a “dynamic island” design that allowed the notch to adjust its size based on notifications, optimizing screen real estate.

However, Apple’s ultimate goal is to eliminate the notch entirely and achieve a truly bezel-less iPhone. To make this a reality, Apple is collaborating with two major display suppliers, Samsung and LG, both renowned for their advancements in OLED technology. OLED displays are known for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios, making them ideal for premium smartphones.

One of the challenges in creating a bezel-less iPhone is integrating the front-facing camera and sensors without the need for a visible notch. Apple aims to embed these components beneath the display, a technology referred to as under-panel camera (UPC). This would allow the front-facing camera to be located under the screen’s surface, making it invisible to the user when not in use.

Another key technology involved in achieving a truly bezel-less display is thin film encapsulation (TFE). TFE is essential for protecting the sensitive OLED display from moisture and oxygen, ensuring its longevity and optimal performance.

While some Android manufacturers have explored curved displays to achieve edge-to-edge designs, Apple is reportedly committed to maintaining a flat display. This decision is likely influenced by the user experience and the challenges associated with accidental touches on curved edges.

As of now, specific details about the launch timeline for a notch-less, bezel-less iPhone remain unclear. It is speculated that Apple might take approximately a year to implement this design and address any technical challenges.

Upcoming iPhone Models: iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Series

In the meantime, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro series in September of the current year. These models are rumored to retain their current display sizes, with dynamic island notches that can adapt their size based on notifications, as seen in the iPhone 14 Pro series.

While Apple may be internally testing a notch-less, bezel-less display, bringing it to a commercial product could take time. Developing such cutting-edge technology involves overcoming technical hurdles and ensuring a seamless user experience. Nevertheless, the pursuit of a truly bezel-less iPhone underscores Apple’s commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of smartphone design.