Apple's Borderless iPhone: 2026 Release Date and Samsung's OLED Role

According to South Korean media, Samsung and LG, two display companies, are developing OLED panels for frameless iPhones at the request of Apple, but the production time is not yet clear.

It is reported that Apple originally planned to release frameless OLED iPhones in 2025 or 2026. However, multiple industry insiders revealed on December 24th that the frameless OLED iPhone is now expected to be launched only in 2026. This is because there is not yet enough technological development to completely eliminate borders.

If Apple wants to launch a frameless OLED iPhone in 2026, it should have already completed technical discussions with domestic panel companies in South Korea, but they are still in discussions, "said an industry insider." It is currently unclear whether Apple will launch a frameless iPhone in 2026

According to reports, Apple hopes to achieve frameless displays while maintaining the existing iPhone's flat screen and product side angle design. The display screen is designed to extend along the side of the product, similar to the current display screen of the Apple Watch.

In order for Samsung and LG to achieve the frameless design required by Apple, they need to develop technologies such as TFE and OCA (Optical Transparent Adhesive). The former can protect OLEDs from moisture and oxygen, while the latter is a transparent double-sided adhesive film used to bond OLEDs together to fit the curved side of the display screen and leave space for the antenna.

Another challenge is that the display screen is designed to "flow down" from the side of the product, making it easily susceptible to external impact and breakage.

Apple's requirements are different from Samsung's previous use of curved displays on smartphones. Apple is unwilling to use curved displays on the side of smartphones because using curved displays can create a "magnifying glass effect". This is caused by optical principles. Xiaomi released a "four sided curved" concept smartphone in 2021, but this is not the borderless effect that Apple wants. Unlike Xiaomi's approach, Apple's requirement is not to implement display on the side of the product.

Borderless iPhone is expected to be released in 2026. Apple has requested Samsung to develop OLED technology

In addition, in order to achieve borderless display screens, existing iPhone OLED border circuits must be bent below the display screen to make space for antennas and solve interference problems.

According to South Korean media, in recent years, Apple has been gradually thinning the bezels of iPhone displays in order to enhance user immersion. After implementing UPC technology and frameless technology that hide the camera below the display screen, users can enjoy a true full screen experience.