Report: Thinner Bezels on iPhone 16 Pro Models Present Challenges for Apple Suppliers

Reports indicate that the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, slated for release later this year, will feature even slimmer bezels compared to their predecessors. These new models, successors to the iPhone 15 Pro series, are anticipated to continue the trend of reducing bezel sizes seen in previous iterations. Additionally, they are rumored to sport slightly larger screens, with a focus on minimizing the black borders surrounding the display. However, the production of these advanced displays is proving to be a challenge for Apple’s suppliers, according to recent reports.

As per The Elec’s report, Apple is employing its Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology to achieve smaller bottom bezels on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. This involves utilizing under-display technology related to wiring and circuits. However, this innovation has presented difficulties for Apple’s component suppliers, with none of them reportedly meeting the company’s stringent standards for production volume.

The report suggests that Apple intends to source displays for the iPhone 16 series from three primary suppliers. BOE (Jingdongfang) is expected to handle display production for the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models, while LG Display is likely to supply OLED screens for the higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max variants. Meanwhile, Samsung Display is anticipated to provide screens for all four models across the lineup, underscoring the company’s strategic reliance on multiple suppliers to meet demand and ensure quality consistency.

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max could arrive later this year with even slimmer bezels than their predecessors, according to previous reports. The successors to last year’s iPhone 15 Pro series — which also arrived with thinner bezels than the company’s 2022 models — are also said to sport slightly larger screens, while reducing the black borders around the screen. However, the production of these displays is proving to be difficult for Apple’s suppliers, according to a report.

The Elec reports (via 9to5Mac) that Apple is using its Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology to reduce the size of the bottom bezel on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. In order to achieve this, the company is utilising an under-display technology (related to wiring and circuits) that has started to pose a challenge for Apple’s component suppliers, and the report states that none of Apple’s suppliers have managed to produce enough units to meet the company’s standards.

Apple is expected to rely on three suppliers for the iPhone 16 series of smartphones, according to the report. BOE (Jingdongfang) could produce displays for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, while LG Display could supply OLED screens for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Meanwhile, Samsung Display is reportedly expected to produce screens for all four models in the lineup.

Recently leaked images of purported dummy units of all four models in the iPhone 16 series appear to corroborate the claims made in previous leaks, The new vertical pill-shaped camera island is visible on the standard models, while all four models are shown to feature an Action button and the new ‘capture’ button that is said to be making its way to the iPhone 16 series later this year.