Apple is working steadily behind the scenes on the anniversary model of the iPhone. According to the latest rumors, the most eye-catching feature, a virtually bezel-less screen that bends slightly on all four sides, remains on track. The tech giant has decided to put two specific screen technologies on hold for the time being to keep costs and performance under control.
Although the introduction of the special anniversary model is planned to mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, rising part prices and stricter requirements are forcing Apple to make strategic choices. Screen suppliers such as Samsung Display and LG Display are preparing their production lines for the new design, but have to adjust their plans in some areas. What exactly does this mean for the upcoming models?
The four-sided curved screen is retained
The most important innovation of the anniversary model is the so-called quad curved screen. This display curves slightly towards the edges of the device on all four sides. The result is an almost borderless appearance where the black screen edges (bezels) almost completely disappear.
The design builds on the iconic design of the iPhone X from 2017 (when the iPhone was 10 years old). For the new 20th anniversary edition, Apple combines curved glass front and back panels with a metal frame to create one seamless whole.
Which two technologies have been postponed?
According to reports from South Korea ETNews Apple is eliminating two specific panel upgrades for the first generation of this model:
- Color Filter on Encapsulation (COE):
This technology replaces the polarization layer in the screen with a color filter, making the screen thinner and requiring less energy to illuminate clearly. - LTPO+ (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide Plus):
An improved version of LTPO screens. By using oxide electronics instead of traditional driver transistors, energy efficiency is increased and the production process is simplified.
Why does Apple intervene?
There are two main reasons for delaying these techniques. Firstly, chipflation and the rising costs of components play a major role. The global price increase of memory chips and other essential hardware components is forcing Apple to cut back on additional complex screen layers so that the final sales price of the iPhone doesn’t skyrocket.
In addition, there is the maturity of the technology. Apple applies extremely high standards for brightness, color fastness and longevity of the screens. At present, the current COE and LTPO+ solutions do not yet meet the strict quality requirements set by Cupertino.
What does this mean for the consumer?
As a user you will probably not notice much of the deletion of COE and LTPO+. The most important visual effect, the almost borderless display that folds over the edges, is retained. Apple simply chooses to use proven OLED techniques within the new housing design, which benefits the stability of production and the price.
Anniversary model iPhone in brief
The main expectations for the anniversary model (expected to mark 20 years of iPhone in 2027) revolve around a design overhaul and advanced technologies:
- All-glass ‘Quad-Curved’ design: The screen gets a virtually borderless appearance because the glass curves on all four sides. The device should feel like one seamless, continuous sheet of glass.
- Invisible or smaller Dynamic Island: Apple is working on technology to incorporate all Face ID sensors under the screen, which should allow for a significantly smaller Dynamic Island or even a completely sleek screen. There is a chance that a cutout for the selfie camera in the corner will be retained, just like with the iPhone Duo.
- Haptic, solid buttons (Solid-State): The physical, movable buttons on the frame (such as the volume buttons and the action button) may be replaced by fixed buttons with vibration motors (haptic feedback) for an even sleeker and more durable design.
- New chip and battery technology: The anniversary iPhone is expected to be equipped with a powerful A21 Pro chip and a new silicon anode battery, which can store more energy without making the device thicker.
- Proprietary Apple parts: Apple wants to use more proprietary hardware for this generation, including a custom camera sensor with greater dynamic range.
- Dual fusion camera system: 48-megapixel main camera and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. Perhaps equipped with an 18 or 12-megapixel Center Stage camera at the front.
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