Revelations from Majin Bu indicate that Apple is currently testing a prototype version of the iPhone 16 Pro, featuring a single punch-hole design, in contrast to the “pill-shaped screen” + “dynamic island” design used in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 series. However, this design might also be in preparation for the iPhone 17 Pro series in 2025.
In general, Apple typically finalizes the overall plan for each iPhone model about six months before its release, around March. Nevertheless, the actual commencement of early development work occurs much earlier, with Apple often laying the groundwork for the supply chain several years in advance, particularly concerning display panel solutions.
It’s important to note that these early designs are subject to change until the new device enters mass production.
According to Ross Young, the CEO of Display Supply Chain Consulting Company (DSCC), testing for under-screen Face ID is expected to start as early as 2022, but it is unlikely to feature on iPhones before 2025. As per his predictions:
For Non-Pro series iPhones:
- 2021: Notch, LTPS
- 2022: Notch, LTPS
- 2023: pill-shaped screen, LTPS
- 2024: pill-shaped screen, LTPS
- 2025: pill-shaped screen, LTPOs
- 2026: pill-shaped screen, LTPO
- 2027: Under-screen Face ID + punch hole, LTPO
Pro series iPhones, on the other hand, all use LTPO display technology:
- 2021: Notch
- 2022: pill-shaped screen
- 2023: pill-shaped screen
- 2024: pill-shaped screen
- 2025: Under-screen Face ID + punch hole
- 2026: Under-screen Face ID + punch hole
- 2027: Under-screen Face ID + under-screen camera
Ross Young also mentioned that the significant change for the following year will be the increase in the display size of the Pro model, going from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 15 Pro to 6.3 inches on the iPhone 16 Pro, while the Pro Max will increase from 6.7 inches to 6.9 inches.
He anticipates that major changes for Apple’s iPhone will come with the 2025 iPhone 17 generation. For instance, the screen size of non-Pro models in that year will align with the Pro models, and the 2025 non-Pro models will introduce ProMotion 120Hz displays for the first time.
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