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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
The Korean edition ETNews reports on Apple's ambitious plans for a radical redesign of the iPhone for the 20th anniversary of the legendary smartphone. The company is developing a device with a completely bezel-less display that will wrap around all four edges of the body.
Revolutionary Display Technology
Unlike modern smartphones with only curved side edges, the new iPhone will have a screen that smoothly flows over the top, bottom, and side edges. This will create the effect of a solid glass monolith without traditional bezels.
Bloomberg confirms the information, adding details about a "mostly glass curved iPhone with no cutouts." The publication Information also refers to sources claiming that there will indeed be a truly bezel-less display in at least one model in 2027.
The Path to a Bezel-less Future
While we await interim updates, including iPhone 17 Pro, Apple is already laying the groundwork for a revolutionary leap. Each new generation of iPhone will gradually bring the company closer to the goal of completely eliminating bezels and cutouts. Vice President of Counterpoint Research Ross Young confirms that this process will be gradual and will stretch over several years. According to The Information, the iPhone 18 Pro will feature under-display Face ID, leaving only a tiny hole for the front camera.
Technical Challenges
Implementing such a design requires solving complex engineering challenges. Apple will need to place all sensors, cameras, and speakers under the display. LG Innotek is already working on under-display cameras with a multi-lens "freeform" system to minimize distortions.
The company is also developing a new OLED driver chip based on a 16nm process instead of the current 28nm, which will significantly improve energy efficiency. Additionally, the use of silicon batteries is being considered to increase energy density.
Structural and Software Challenges
The curvature of the screen on all sides creates new stress points, potentially reducing the device's durability. It also poses difficulties in placing sensors (for example, the IR camera that is part of Face ID), proximity and ambient light sensors, cameras, and speakers.
The proposed design will require changes in the way users interact with the device. In the absence of bezels, it is likely that new algorithms for recognizing accidental palm touches will need to be implemented, as well as potentially altering the gesture navigation system.
Negotiations with Samsung Display and LG Display about implementing advanced technologies will begin shortly. If Apple overcomes all technical hurdles, the iPhone 2027 could become the most significant design update since the iPhone X.
This revolutionary approach will be a worthy way to celebrate two decades of Apple's most influential product.
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