Apple’s Bold Dream Of A ‘Single Slab Of Glass’ iPhone Was Pinned On The iPhone 18, But Technical Hurdles May Shatter That Vision

An all-screen iPhone with zero bezels was reported to launch in 2026, but it appears that several technical setbacks could shatter the company’s dream. With the time frame at hand, the iPhone 18 was supposed to come with a bezel-free display and a new report claims that the technology might not be ready for 2026. The company has been working aggressively to reduce the bezels on the iPhone, and even this year’s iPhone 16 Pro models feature one of the slimmest borders on a device.

LG and Samsung are facing difficulties in developing the bezel-free display technology for Apple’s iPhone, possibly delayed beyond 2026

According to a report published by The Elec, Apple’s bezel-free iPhone is still a few years away, as the company is working with Samsung and LG on the new technology. The work has hit a roadblock for now, and there is no word of when the suppliers will have a breakthrough. At this stage, the device with zero bezels has been delayed beyond 2026.

Apple’s implementation of an all-screen iPhone will be different from that of Samsung’s older Galaxy-branded smartphones, which were curved from the sides. This is because the Cupertino giant does not want the “magnifying glass effect,” which is a by-product of the curved screen on the sides. Xiaomi also offers a “quad-curved waterfall display,” which also features the same magnifying effect on all sides.

Apple, on the flip side, aims to keep its unique flat screen part of the bezel-less approach with angular sides. The screen will extend seamlessly over the edge, similar to the Apple Watch’s design. Industry insiders have also suggested that Apple’s bezel-less iPhone display would be pebble-like. The technical challenges involved in eliminating Apple’s bezels remain significant for Samsung and LG.

Both suppliers must adopt two technologies, including Thin Film Encapsulation for OLED protection and Optical Clear Adhesive for connecting and bonding the film around the curved edges. Furthermore, the suppliers would also have to make sure that there is room for the iPhone’s antennas. The latter of the two technologies is causing issues for both suppliers, and it remains to be seen which one comes up with a solution first.

Currently, the OCA technology allows distortions from the side view, which could have damage concerns in the future. Apple should have finalized the display statistics by now, but it remains to be seen what the next timeline for the bezel-less iPhone will be, as prior reports have suggested that the company will begin mass production in 2026 for the iPhone 18 lineup. All we know for now is that the launch would slip a few years ahead and that Apple’s dream of a “single slab of glass” iPhone is on hold.