As the world's leading supplier of mobile OLED panels, it's no surprise that Apple sources many of the OLED panels that it needs for the iPhone from Samsung Display. The company is also working on OLED panels for the MacBook.
Samsung Display has been developing a ‘zero-bezel' OLED panel for some time now, reportedly at Apple's request. Apple apparently wanted to use this bezel-less display for a new iPhone in 2025 but it's unlikely that it would be ready by then.
Zero-bezel iPhone not expected even in 2026
We first heard of Samsung working on such displays last year. A leaked internal presentation revelaed that Samsung Display envisioned future smartphone OLED displays referred to as “All Around Full Screen.” They would be flat but completely wrap around the front of the smartphone, effectively leaving no bezels in the corners.
It was also reported then that Apple has asked both Samsung Display and LG Display, companies from which it sources OLED panels, to develop such displays for the iPhone. The implementation would be similar to the Apple Watch where the panel itself is flat but it cascades down on all sides.
The implementation would be different compared to the “edge” displays Samsung used on devices like the Galaxy S7 Edge. Those panels were slightly curved and didn't flow all the way down.
Samsung Display continues to work on this technology, but it requires progress in optical clear adhesive and thin film encapsulation technologies to ensure there's no side view distortion and that the antenna can also be integrated on the sides.
With the current rate of progress, Korean media reports that it's unlikely we'll see a zero-bezel iPhone even in 2026. One can't imagine Samsung won't use such panels for its own Galaxy S flagship series. It's entirely possible that this display tech debuts on the company's flagship series before the iPhone gets it.
Image credit: Marek Weidlich
