Apple is exploring the future of smartphones with plans for completely curved screens that eliminate visual distortions. The company is currently in discussions with South Korean giants Samsung and LG to implement a new technology involving transparent electrodes.
The goal is to develop a “4-side bending” display, which means that not only the left and right edges but also the top and bottom of the screen will be curved.
To address the common issue of image distortion on curved edges, Apple intends to utilize a new material for the electrodes, known as IZO, which enhances light transmission and increases panel transparency.
Users can expect to see the first iterations of this technology in the upcoming anniversary model of the iPhone, with plans to refine it further by 2028.
In response to Apple’s demands, Korean display manufacturers are ramping up their efforts. LG Display has announced significant investments in infrastructure to acquire specialized equipment that allows for the application of transparent layers on screens without damaging delicate components.
Meanwhile, Samsung Display is currently assessing its costs. A major challenge is the lack of space in existing factories for the new large-scale equipment, which may necessitate the construction of a completely new production line.
Although 2028 seems far off, the advancements being made will shape the design of smartphones for the next decade. This urgency from Apple is pushing its partners to accelerate mass production.
Experts predict that soon the smartphone market will introduce devices that feel like a “single piece of smooth glass, where every inch of the surface is a functional screen.” Currently, developments are in the testing phase, with initial prototypes being created in South Korean laboratories.
Apple is collaborating with Samsung and LG to develop fully curved smartphone displays, aiming for a revolutionary design by 2028. The new technology promises to enhance user experience by minimizing visual distortions.