Display Changes Expected for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro: A Rumor Roundup
The display is one of the most crucial aspects of a smartphone, and with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro on the horizon, numerous rumors suggest significant changes. Despite Apple’s usual incremental updates, the iPhone 16 series is anticipated to bring noteworthy enhancements, especially in display technology.
Rumored Screen Size Increases
The iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to feature larger screens. Analyst Ross Young indicated in May 2023 that the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max might have screens measuring approximately 6.2 inches and 6.8 inches, slightly larger than the current 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch models. This size increase could accommodate a periscope lens, necessitating internal design changes.
Later reports suggested even larger displays, with some leakers proposing sizes up to 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches. By the end of September, rumors settled on 6.27 inches for the iPhone 16 Pro and 6.85 inches for the Pro Max.
Bezel Reduction
To complement the larger screens, Apple might reduce bezel thickness to prevent the overall device size from becoming unwieldy. However, supply chain sources reported difficulties in shrinking the bezels further, causing production challenges.
In March, there were claims that Apple planned to use Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology for ultra-thin bezels, but issues with heat dissipation and application to the bottom edge persisted.
Brightness Enhancements
Several leaks suggest that the iPhone 16 displays could be much brighter than previous models. A September 2023 leak proposed that Apple might use Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology to boost OLED screen brightness. This technology reflects light towards the front instead of letting it dissipate, increasing overall brightness.
In May, another leak indicated that the iPhone 16 Pro could achieve a typical maximum brightness of 1,200 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1,600 nits, marking a significant improvement over previous models. However, the Tandem OLED structure used in the 2024 iPad Pro, which further enhances brightness, might not be adopted for the iPhone 16 series.
Under-Screen Face ID
Rumors of under-display Face ID have resurfaced. In February 2023, The Elec reported that the iPhone 16 Pro might feature this technology, allowing for an all-screen display. However, challenges remain, particularly in developing an under-panel camera that meets Apple’s standards.
This speculation dates back to April 2022, when Ming-Chi Kuo predicted under-display Face ID could arrive by 2024, aligning with the iPhone 16’s expected release.
Production Updates
With the launch of the iPhone 16 series just months away, Apple’s display suppliers are nearing mass production approval. In May, The Elec reported that Samsung Display was expected to receive approval by the end of May, followed by LG Display in mid-June, with BOE also in the pipeline. LG and Samsung are likely to produce displays for multiple iPhone models, while BOE focuses on non-iPhone displays.
Conclusion
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are poised to introduce significant display upgrades, including larger sizes, reduced bezels, increased brightness, and possibly under-screen Face ID. As the release date approaches, these rumors will either be confirmed or debunked, painting a clearer picture of Apple’s next-generation smartphones.
