Even before Apple has announced the iPhone 16 series, rumors about the iPhone 17 display have started to float. The latest one claims Apple is working with its display manufacturers to offer a new screen that has anti-reflective properties and enhanced scratch resistance.
The current-generation Apple iPhone 15 has Ceramic Shield displays, which are quite sturdy and reliable. However, several experts urge new buyers to slap on a screen protector just to be safe. The rumor about the upcoming iPhone 17 display adds that this iOS smartphone wouldn’t need any screen protection accessory. However, these displays may be compromising on another direly-needed feature.
The Apple iPhone 17 may have an anti-reflective display
Apple prioritizes screen toughness for its iPhone devices. The company regularly boasts about the hardness of the display glass, which often matches with independent testing.
The current generation of Apple iPhone devices have, what Apple calls, Ceramic Shield displays. Developed by Corning, the makers of Gorilla Glass, these displays, manufactured exclusively for Apple Inc. are not only tough, but they also have an oleophobic coating.
I have a question for @SamsungMobile @corninggorilla , whether the anti-reflective effect of the Corning Gorilla Armor Glass on the S24 Ultra will disappear over time. If not, that would be great. pic.twitter.com/Vpp6uUiutr
— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) January 22, 2024
According to the latest rumor, the iPhone 17 display would be anti-reflective, and get improved screen toughness as well as scratch resistance, but this may lower the longevity of the oleophobic layer. In other words, this anti-fingerprint and water-resistant coating would begin to lose its efficacy after about a year.
It is interesting to note that no oleophobic coating lasts forever. Hence, third-party accessory makers do offer liquids and screen protectors that restore the coating.
Will the iPhone 17 need any external or third-party screen protector?
Apple hasn’t confirmed who is manufacturing the glass that will protect the iPhone 17’s display. However, it is possible that the display would have glass developed by Corning as the company has been working with Apple for several years.
Incidentally, Samsung recently launched the Galaxy S24 Ultra, whose screen is protected by a “Gorilla Glass Armor” display panel. Corning makes this glass. While Apple may not use the same marketing term, the latest rumor strongly suggests Apple may source this very glass technology for its upcoming iPhone 17 series of iOS smartphones.
Corning claims, “Gorilla Glass Armor cuts reflections by 75 percent compared to a typical glass surface, and is resistant to micro scratches that build up over time on competing glass panels.” In the marketing material, the company boasts, “The panels offer over 4x more scratch resistance than competitive aluminosilicate cover glasses.”
Apple stores across the world offer protective glass as accessories. Needless to say, these are quite expensive compared to third-party screen protectors. Hence, it is not clear if Apple will intentionally hurt its earnings by eliminating the need for screen protectors.
2024-03-20 15:08:14