Apple's ambitions for the future of its flagship smartphone, the iPhone, appear more ambitious than ever, but the road to innovation is proving challenging. The tech giant has long been known for pushing the boundaries of smartphone design, yet recent reports indicate delays and difficulties in achieving new technological advancements.
According to Alban Martin of various technology news outlets, Apple is working to develop its first completely borderless iPhone, initially projected for release as early as 2026. The company is currently collaborating with Samsung Display and LG Display, but technical challenges remain significant. "Des technologies clés comme l'encapsulation en couche mince (TFE) [...] nécessitent des avancées significatives," noted Martin, emphasizing the hurdles Apple faces when attempting to integrate cutting-edge display technology.
Despite incremental changes made to previous iPhone models, the goal of reaching an all-screen design with minimal bezels seems elusive. Apple has successfully reduced the borders of its iPhones recently, particularly with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro. Yet, the newly envisioned design departs from conventional norms, aiming instead to preserve the clean, flat aesthetic associated with the iPhone's branding. The struggle lies partly with the OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) technology, which is necessary to bond flexible screens without causing viewing distortions.
Challenges aside, Apple appears ready to introduce significant price adjustments for its next-generation smartphones. Speculation hints at steep price increases for the iPhone 18 due to the transition to 2nm chip technology—an industry first. Currently, the iPhone 16 features 3nm chips, renowned for their powerful performance. The leap to 2nm would result in more compact transistors, allowing for greater integration on chips and enhanced functionalities, especially as the demand for advanced AI features continues to rise.
One insider remarked, "On parlerait à priori d’un coût de fabrication 70% plus élevé que les puces Apple actuelles," indicating an increase of approximately $35 per processor. These costs might lead to significant price hikes for consumers. Nonetheless, to mitigate the impact on pricing, Apple could continue to produce some 3nm chips for its base models, reserving the newer technology for higher-end Pro models.
Looking down the line at the iPhone 17, early rumors suggest several changes are on the horizon as well. The new model, referred to as the iPhone 17 Slim, will replace the iPhone Plus line. This new variant is set to prioritize thinner design, but it may do so at the expense of certain features, including the camera system, which is expected to drop down to only one sensor.
All iPhone 17 models are expected to gain access to ProMotion technology, introducing refresh rates of 120 Hz—something the current iPhone models have lacked. With the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus only managing refresh rates of 60 Hz, this jump is seen as long overdue by many users.
Despite these exciting prospects, the iPhone 17 lineup will not experience major design overhauls. Although certain models may retain their existing sizes—like the standard 17, expected at 6.1 inches—there's speculation about modifying the size of the 17 Plus, which might shrink down to about 6.5-6.6 inches from its current 6.7 inches.
Jeff Pu, reported by MacRumors, shared intriguing insight: "Au lieu du format incurvé habituel, Apple passerait au metalens," highlighting Apple’s shift to utilize cutting-edge lens technology for its Dynamic Island feature—aimed at optimizing the display experience within the iPhone's screen layout.
The launch of these future iPhones, particularly the hoped-for 2026 debut of the borderless model and the anticipated price adjustments for the iPhone 18, indicates the fierce competition Apple faces. Consumers are eager for advancements, but as Apple navigates these waters, the challenge remains to make innovations both compelling and economically feasible for everyday buyers.
The tech world watches intently as Apple engages with its supply chain partners to produce the next generations of the iPhone. The criteria of innovative display technology, alongside the burgeoning costs associated with advanced chip manufacturing, will not only define how consumers interact with their devices but also shape the future of the smartphone market.
