Contrary to previous rumors, a new report says Apple will equip the iPhone 17 Pro with a new antireflective display. The coating will help cut down on glare and unwanted reflections, making the device easier to use — especially outside on sunny days.
Apple suppliers seemingly improved their yields enough to allow mass production of the antireflective displays for use in the upcoming iPhones.
iPhone 17 Pro could borrow this MacBook display feature
Apple currently offers a nano-texture glass option on the Studio Display, iPad Pro and MacBook Pro. The specially coated glass helps reduce unwanted reflections, though it requires extra care. The same display glass coating is not currently available on iPhones.
A rumor from March 2024 suggested Apple could use such a display glass technology on the iPhone 17 lineup. But earlier this year, a report said the company might not adopt the coating due to scaling problems.
Apple sells millions more iPhones than it does Macs and iPads. Plus, iPhone production timelines are considerably shorter and more complex, requiring ready availability of all parts. So, the company cannot use any technology with poor yields.
Things seem to have changed when it comes to adding an antireflective glass coating to iPhones, though. A MacRumors report from Wednesday, citing a “reliable source,” said Apple suppliers solved the yield problems. They can now produce enough of the antireflective glass to support the mass production of the iPhone 17 Pro lineup.
Given the complexity involved and yield challenges, Apple will supposedly use the antireflective cover glass only on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. The base iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will likely feature a regular Ceramic Shield glass.
Samsung uses antireflective glass on its flagship phones
Samsung is currently the only smartphone maker to offer this feature, equipping the 2024 Galaxy S24 Ultra and this year’s S25 Ultra with antireflective glass made by Corning. Samsung says the special glass can reduce reflections by up to 75%.
Besides its superior antireflective properties, the Corning glass also features improved scratch resistance.
The antireflective glass on the iPhone 17 Pro should provide a big usability boost in daily life, especially outdoors.
