Apple’s Ambitious Move: Requesting Samsung and LG Display to Develop ‘Bezel-less’ iPhone OLED

Apple seems to getting close to launching a bezel-less iPhone as it reportedly has asked its display suppliers Samsung Display and LG Display to develop organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) free from side bezels. This move comes as Apple aims to achieve a sleek and futuristic design, with the ultimate goal of eradicating bezels entirely. Apple wants to make its iPhone lineup truly bezel-less screen, a feat that requires substantial advancements in thin-film encapsulation (TFE) and under-panel camera (UPC) technologies, as well as effective antenna space management.

Industry sources revealed that both Samsung Display and LG Display have been diligently working on creating organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that will seamlessly remove all front display bezels, aligning with Apple’s vision. The ultimate goal is to achieve a bezel-free design without resorting to curved (edge) displays, unlike some competitors in the smartphone market, as per the report published by a Korean publication.

Apple’s preference for a flat display and angular design on the sides of the iPhone sets it apart from the optical ‘magnifying glass effect’ observed in devices with curved displays. The company aims to avoid such distortions and vulnerabilities to external shocks by focusing on a completely flat bezel-less design.

To implement a bezel-less design without curving the display, the circuits currently situated in the bezel area must be ingeniously bent beneath the display. This process necessitates solving issues related to antenna space and interference.

However, challenges persist in realizing a bezel-less screen, particularly in the areas of thin film encapsulation and under-panel camera technologies. Apple requires thinner inorganic and organic film layers for effective moisture and oxygen protection, yet maintaining barrier properties and flexibility proves to be intricate. Furthermore, the under-panel camera module’s integration demands a delicate balance to prevent noticeable discrepancies in pixel density with the rest of the display.

Apple’s determination to create a bezel-less OLED has prompted it to gradually minimize the front bezel of the iPhone as a preliminary step. The recent efforts to make the lower front bezel of the iPhone 15 series Pro lineup thinner are in line with this goal. However, achieving the desired outcome poses formidable challenges, with LG Display facing setbacks in meeting Apple’s stringent requirements.

While the smartphone industry as a whole strives to achieve near-full screen displays by reducing bezels, Apple’s vision for a bezel-less design represents a distinctive approach. The company aims to realize an innovative OLED panel that presents a truly seamless and immersive display experience for iPhone users.

As technology continues to evolve, the realization of a truly bezel-less iPhone remains on the horizon, challenging manufacturers to push the boundaries of innovation and aesthetics in the world of smartphones.