Apple is continuously working on further developing the hardware of its iPhones. Displays, in particular, have seen several improvements in recent years, such as Ceramic Shield and the oleophobic coating against fingerprints. The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro could debut a new technology that addresses two weaknesses at once: susceptibility to scratches and reflections.
Apple initially faced challenges producing a new, scratch-resistant, and anti-reflective display coating. The manufacturing process was considered too complex and inefficient for large-scale implementation. This has since changed. According to information received by MacRumors from a reliable source, Apple suppliers have been able to optimize production. This means that the new coating is imminent for use in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
New display technology for Pro models
The new coating is said to offer two key advantages: It is more scratch-resistant than the previously used Ceramic Shield and reduces reflections on the display. The latter, in particular, has been a weak point for iPhones, while Apple has long relied on more anti-reflective panels for iPads and Macs. The new coating was originally discussed for 2024, but was considered technically difficult to implement. At the beginning of the year, Apple was still struggling with the coating process. The additional anti-reflective layer slowed production. The process has since been improved, so that a stable yield is now achieved. This means that the new technology can go into mass production, but exclusively for the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Differences to previous displays
Current iPhones feature Ceramic Shield, which has been used since the iPhone 12. It protects against drops but offers only limited protection against scratches. There's also an oleophobic layer that repels fingerprints but has no effect on light reflections. The new coating is intended to address both: greater scratch resistance and noticeably fewer reflections. Apple is likely taking inspiration from technologies like Gorilla Glass Armor, which Samsung uses in current models. It reduces reflections by up to 75 percent. This leads to better contrast in sunlight and a generally more pleasant display in bright conditions. Apple could achieve a similar effect with the new glass in the iPhone 17 Pro.
No integration into standard models
The new display technology will be reserved for the Pro models. Neither the standard iPhone 17 nor the planned iPhone 17 Air will receive the new coating. This is primarily due to the increased manufacturing effort, even though the production issues have since been resolved. Apple traditionally uses such features to differentiate the Pro models from the rest of the product line.
Classification in the competitive environment
With the new display, Apple is also responding to developments in the Android segment. Manufacturers like Samsung are increasingly relying on anti-reflective and scratch-resistant technologies. Apple has been more reserved in this regard so far. The iPhone 17 Pro could now close this gap without resorting to different materials or drastic design changes.
iPhone 17 Pro sets new display standard
The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to feature a new, scratch-resistant, and anti-reflective display technology. After initial difficulties with scaling, Apple was able to improve the production process to the point where mass production for the Pro models is possible. The new coating promises noticeable advantages in everyday use, especially in bright light and with regard to display durability. Standard models will be excluded, making the new technology a clear differentiator for the Pro series. (Image: Shutterstock / DenPhotos)
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