Highlights
- iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max to debut new scratch-resistant, anti-reflective display layer.
- It will improve durability and reduce screen glare over Ceramic Shield.
- Apple resolves production challenges while enabling mass manufacturing of the upgraded glass.
- Display refinement will position Apple’s flagship phones to offer enhanced outdoor visibility and resilience.
Caption – New report reveals more about upcoming iPhone display tech. (Image credit – Apple)
It seems Apple has finally worked out the production issues with its new scratch-resistant, anti-reflective display layer. And latest report suggests the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be the first to get the improved display tech.
According to a MacRumors report citing a reliable source, Apple suppliers have managed to achieve a good enough production yield for the upgraded glass to go into mass manufacturing. However, this new display tech will be exclusive to the Pro models and it won’t be available on the regular iPhone 17 or the rumoured iPhone 17 Air.
This new display layer has been in the rumour mill since 2024. Back in March this year, popular tipster Instant Digital on Weibo had revealed that the iPhone 17 glass “will be made into a super-hard [anti-reflective] layer…[and] be more scratch-resistant.”
It’s said to offer better scratch resistance than Apple’s current Ceramic Shield, which means the iPhone 17 Pro models could be more durable in everyday use.
Earlier this year, things weren’t looking good for the upgrade. Apple had trouble scaling the coating process, adding the anti-reflective layer was taking too long and slowing down production, almost leading to the feature being scrapped. But the process has now been streamlined, bringing the feature back on track.
Currently, iPhones come with a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic layer and Ceramic Shield protection. But unlike iPads and Macs, iPhones haven’t focused much on reducing screen glare.
Meanwhile, Samsung has already raised the bar with its latest smartphones using Gorilla Glass Armor, which “cuts down on reflections by up to 75 per cent” and enhances visibility in bright lighting. With this new display tech, Apple seems ready to respond with a similar level of refinement.
FAQs
Q1. Which iPhone models will feature the new scratch-resistant, anti-reflective display?
Answer. The upgraded display layer will be exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, and won’t be available on the regular iPhone 17 or the iPhone 17 Air.
Q2. What makes the new iPhone 17 Pro display layer better than the current Ceramic Shield?
Answer. It offers enhanced scratch resistance and anti-reflective properties, reducing screen glare and improving durability beyond what Ceramic Shield currently provides.
Q3. How did Apple overcome production issues with the new display technology?
Answer. Apple streamlined the coating process after initial delays, allowing suppliers to achieve a suitable yield for mass manufacturing and preventing the feature from being scrapped.