Apple Ditches Plans for Enhanced iPhone 17 Display: Anti-Reflective and Scratch-Resistant Coating Scrapped

Plans for iPhone 17 Anti-Reflective & Scratch-Proof Display Scrapped

Apple has reportedly abandoned plans to introduce a more durable display with improved anti-reflective and scratch-resistant properties on the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup. According to an anonymous source cited by MacRumors, Apple encountered scaling issues during the development process, as the coating application was too slow for mass production.

Background on iPhone Display Durability

• Ceramic Shield: Introduced with the iPhone 12, this technology, developed in partnership with Corning, is known for its exceptional toughness and has been a key selling point for Apple's smartphones.
• Previous Anti-Reflective Displays: Apple has offered anti-reflective display options on iPads and Macs, including pre-2013 unibody MacBook Pros and the current M4 MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and iMac.

Development Challenges

• Scaling Issues: The new coating process was deemed too slow for reliable mass production, leading to the decision to scrap the feature.
• Funding and Research: Apple has a history of funding Corning's research, contributing over $850 million since 2017, including a recent $45 million investment in 2021.

Future Uncertainty

• iPhone 17 Durability: It is unclear whether the iPhone 17 will feature any new durability-enhancing technology, as there have been no recent reports of such developments.
• Rumor Credibility: The source of this information is unknown, but given Apple's history of scrapping features mid-development, the rumor has been given a 'Possible' score.