Samsung and LG are racing to develop bezel-less OLED panels for Apple's 2026 borderless iPhone

Samsung and LG are racing to develop bezel-less OLED panels for Apple's 2026 borderless iPhoneAccording to TheElec, Samsung Display and LG Display are aggressively developing bezel-less OLED panels to meet Apple's stringent requirements, aiming for completion by the end of 2025. This confirms earlier rumors of Apple's plan to launch a bezel-less iPhone, although the initially planned 2025 and 2026 release dates might be subject to revision

Samsung and LG are racing to develop bezel-less OLED panels for Apple's 2026 borderless iPhone

According to TheElec, Samsung Display and LG Display are aggressively developing bezel-less OLED panels to meet Apple's stringent requirements, aiming for completion by the end of 2025. This confirms earlier rumors of Apple's plan to launch a bezel-less iPhone, although the initially planned 2025 and 2026 release dates might be subject to revision.

Apple's unwavering pursuit of display technology excellence makes bezel-less OLED panels an ideal choice for its next-generation iPhones. This technology would revolutionize user interaction with the phone screen, offering a more immersive visual experience. However, development is far from simple, posing significant technical challenges for Samsung Display and LG Display.

Apple initially targeted 2025 and 2026 for the launch of iPhones featuring bezel-less OLED screens, but this timeline may now be delayed. Sources indicate ongoing discussions between Apple and the Korean display manufacturers regarding technical specifications. Agreement on key technical details is crucial to ensure the final product meets Apple's rigorous standards. This isn't a mere technical upgrade; it demands groundbreaking innovation. Frequent and in-depth communication between Apple and the two panel makers is focused on overcoming technical hurdles and achieving mass production of bezel-less OLED panels.

As Apple's largest and second-largest OLED panel suppliers, Samsung Display and LG Display bear the responsibility of providing high-quality bezel-less OLED panels. Both companies possess extensive OLED panel production experience and have invested heavily in R&D. Nevertheless, satisfying Apple's specific requirements remains challenging.

Apple's design philosophy for bezel-less OLED panels is unique and demanding. The desired outcome is a flat screen with rounded corners, similar to the Apple Watch, where the curvature "flows" around the edges, creating a visually bezel-less effect. This differs significantly from the curved edges used on Samsung's Galaxy phones, where the curved sides remain part of the display area. Apple aims to eliminate this "over-curvature," creating a true bezel-less effect where the "flowing" edges are not part of the display.

To achieve this, Samsung Display and LG Display must overcome several key technological hurdles. Thin-film encapsulation (TFE) and optical clear adhesive (OCA) technologies are crucial. TFE protects the OLED panel from moisture and oxygen, extending its lifespan. OCA bonds the OLED panel to the protective glass, ensuring clarity and light transmission.

However, OCA technology progress has been relatively slow, with remaining technical challenges. A major issue is potential screen distortion at side viewing angles, contradicting Apple's pursuit of perfect display quality. Therefore, both companies need to develop new OCA materials or refine existing processes to eliminate or reduce this distortion.

Another significant challenge lies in antenna integration. In a bezel-less design, antennas must be embedded into the screen's sides without compromising signal quality or display performance. This necessitates close collaboration between the panel makers and Apple, involving meticulous testing and optimization to find the optimal solution.

Beyond these challenges, Samsung Display and LG Display must also address yield rate and cost control issues. The complex manufacturing process of bezel-less OLED panels demands high-precision equipment and procedures; any flaw can significantly reduce yield and increase costs. Optimization of production processes and efficiency improvements are vital to lower costs and meet Apple's large-scale procurement needs.

Samsung Display announced at a Korean business forum in August that it is actively developing concept models featuring under-display cameras and bezel-less OLED panels, highlighting its commitment and significant resource allocation to this technology. LG Display, as another major OLED panel supplier, is also actively pursuing this technology.

In conclusion, Apple's pursuit of bezel-less OLED panels is pushing display technology forward while simultaneously presenting immense challenges to Samsung Display and LG Display. Successfully developing and mass-producing bezel-less OLED panels will not only provide Apple with a significant competitive advantage but also mark a new milestone in OLED display technology. The efforts of both companies, and their close collaboration with Apple, will ultimately determine the timeline and market performance of this revolutionary technology. We eagerly await the arrival of the much-anticipated bezel-less iPhone and the unprecedented visual experience it promises. This represents not only a screen technology revolution but also a major breakthrough in mobile phone design philosophy. Apple's relentless pursuit of perfection, combined with Samsung and LG's continuous technical advancements, will jointly write a new chapter in mobile device display technology, ultimately redefining user expectations of smartphones.