For years, iPhone enthusiasts have been fascinated by the prospect of a smartphone with a full display, free from the Dynamic Island cutout. Although Android devices have begun to adopt this design, Apple has yet to make the transition. Recently, a report from South Korean news site The Elec has provided a glimmer of hope for iPhone fans, revealing that Apple supplier LG Innotek has started developing an under-display camera (UDC) technology that could lead to an iPhone with an uninterrupted display.
UDC technology is a complex challenge, as it requires finding a way to get adequate light to the sensor while avoiding the loss of light through the display. LG Innotek is tackling this issue by developing a “freeform optic” multiple lens system, which can reduce optical aberrations and increase the light intensity ratio around the optical module to improve peripheral image quality. This innovative technology could be the key to overcoming the obstacles that have prevented Apple from adopting a full display.
While the industry is still waiting for the iPhone 16, some analysts believe that a full display might not arrive until the iPhone 19 Pro, which is expected to launch in 2027. However, a more likely scenario is that Apple will first place the FaceID technology beneath the screen, possibly in the iPhone 17 Pro, which is expected in 2025. This would allow Pro users to replace the Dynamic Island with a smaller circular cutout for the selfie camera, paving the way for a full display in the future.
A Glimmer of Hope for a iPhone with No Dynamic Island
The timeline for this development is speculative, but it seems like a reasonable plan that Apple could follow. Of course, unexpected technical challenges could arise, and the plan could change. However, if Apple does manage to overcome these hurdles, the result could be a revolutionary new design that will change the way we interact with our smartphones.
For now, iPhone owners will have to continue living with the Dynamic Island, a design feature that has been divisive among users. While some have grown accustomed to the design and even like it, others believe it was a mistake. Nevertheless, the Dynamic Island has become an iconic part of the iPhone’s identity, and it will take some time for users to adjust to a new design.
The development of an UDC technology is a significant step forward for Apple, and it could have far-reaching implications for the smartphone industry as a whole. If Apple is successful in integrating this technology into their devices, it could set a new standard for smartphone design, making it easier for other manufacturers to follow suit. The wait may be long, but the payoff could be well worth it, as an iPhone with no Dynamic Island could be a game-changer for the industry.
