Apple scraps new anti-reflective display for iPhone 17 Pro due to production issues

Apple has reportedly canceled plans to introduce a new anti-reflective, scratch-resistant display coating for its upcoming iPhone 17 Pro lineup, according to a report by 9to5Mac. The decision comes after the tech giant faced production hurdles, particularly with achieving high enough manufacturing yields to meet its large-scale demands.

The advanced coating was expected to significantly reduce screen reflections and improve visibility in bright lighting conditions—an area where Apple’s competitors, like Samsung, have already made notable advancements. For instance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra features a Gorilla Glass Armor panel that cuts reflections by up to 75%, enhancing color accuracy and contrast in daylight.

Currently, Apple uses a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating on iPhones, but it lacks the superior anti-reflective capabilities found in some rival devices. While Apple has integrated nano-texture displays to reduce glare in high-end Macs and iPads, it’s still unclear whether this technology will make its way to iPhones in the near future.

With the cancellation of the new coating for the iPhone 17 Pro, it appears Apple will stick to existing display technologies for now, as it continues to balance innovation with mass production feasibility.