This Technology Could Pave the Way for the 'iPhone 17 Air' Next Year

[MacRumors]

Taiwanese company Novatek has announced plans to begin mass production of OLED displays with TDDI (touch and display driver integration) technology as early as the second quarter of 2025, supply chain publication DigiTimes reported today.

The report states that Apple is "expected" to be one of Novatek's first customers, although this claim appears to be speculative.

"While industry insiders remain tight-lipped about potential end customers, speculation suggests that Novatek's proposed shipping schedule could align with the next-generation iPhone displays in 2025," the report says. If this speculation proves to be accurate, at least some iPhone 17 models could adopt the technology next year.

Given that TDDI technology would allow for Apple devices to have thinner OLED displays, through integration of the touch and display driver layers, the technology seems particularly fitting for the rumored ultra-thin "iPhone 17 Air."

It remains to be seen if Apple actually moves forward with adopting this technology. The report further speculated that Apple might first use it in lower-volume products compared to the iPhone, such as future iPad and Apple Watch models, and the technology would also be suitable for a long-rumored foldable iPhone or iPad.

Article Link: This Technology Could Pave the Way for the 'iPhone 17 Air' Next Year

 

[mrat93]

I love this new era of Apple where they’re putting out new devices that I have no desire to upgrade to every year. Never thought I’d be happier with old tech.

 

[SD449]

Dreaming of an iPhone lineup where an iPhone mini sits separate to the iPhone # line like it does with the iPads

 

[AppleTO]

Not sure there is much of a story here. It sounds like the various iPhone 17 models may just use this new slightly thinner display. Nothing special.

 

[karranz]

Starting at 2.500 €…

”through integration of the touch and display driver layers,“

Repair your screen for just 999 €.

You can laugh now but they are doing to do that to fix iPhones sales decreasing.

While Microsoft just made a live keynote with live people and actually cool software and software. Windows with integrated with copilot is mind blowing, while OS haven’t had any amazing feature in at least 10 years. Edit, M1 came in 2020 so to be fair almost five years.

 

[frou]

Seems like a bit of shade to the Vision Pro if the exciting new iPhone only has one camera and so doesn't record spatial video.

 

[SmugMaverick]

Didn’t they say this about the 16 series.

This is what gurman does, keep throwing stuff at the wall and it’ll happen eventually.

 

[jml12286]

I just want a fatter Mini Pro

 

[GravyonAPlane]

I have never once said I want a thinner phone, though I have said I'd like a bigger battery every single day of my life. Use the thin OLED to make room for a battery that is 50% bigger. (please)

 

[TechnoMonk]

They better launch this with iPad Air than experiment with iPhone.

 

[omenatarhuri]

Looking forward to it. Everybody saying they don’t care, try saying that again when there is a new iPhone Air available that makes the old ones look like bricks

 

[Johnny907]

As long as the new panels address the PWM issues inherent in the active island generation of panels, I’m in.

 

[jonnysods]

Starting at 2.500 €…

”through integration of the touch and display driver layers,“

Repair your screen for just 999 €.

You can laugh now but they are doing to do that to fix iPhones sales decreasing.

While Microsoft just made a live keynote with live people and actually cool software and software. Windows with integrated with copilot is mind blowing, while OS haven’t had any amazing feature in at least 10 years.

The last 10 years iOS hasn’t had any amazing features? That feels like generic hyperbole.

 

[Zwhaler]

Weird era for Apple if they do this. How many people asked for this? People ask for better battery life and 120Hz on the regular iPhone. But, Apple is scared to lose profits, so they don't want to innovate without trying to squeeze as much $ out of it as possible. Thinner iPhone that isn't flagship only to bring the tech to Pro iPhones down the line so they can grab everybody's $ now and later. Apple is making more decisions based on MBAs and less on purely what customers want. If they keep this up it may take 10 years or more but Apple will slowly become a shadow of its former self. It's happened before.

 

[sunapple]

I know they market the Pro as the model with all the latest and greatest tech, but it really has become a plain regular model. It would actually be kinda cool to have one model that goes a bit beyond the expected. Thinner, folding, you name it.

 

[BelgianChoklit]

Anything but the overweight iPhones 16 Pro

 

[karranz]

The last 10 years iOS hasn’t had any amazing features? That feels like generic hyperbole.

I honestly can’t remember

 

[F23]

Introducing iPhone 17 Air, now with 1 hour battery life. We think you're going to love it.

 

[ApplesAreSweet&Sour]

If battery mAhs are less than the Pros but marketed as on par with Pros because of "efficiency" then getting this iPhone Air is out of the question.

 

[robertosh]

I know that mini form factor won’t come back, but something into lowerish 6” ultra slim could make the trick for me. My 12 mini is still rocking though

 

[Zwhaler]

I know they market the Pro as the model with all the latest and greatest tech, but it really has become a plain regular model. It would actually be kinda cool to have one model that goes a bit beyond the expected. Thinner, folding, you name it.

Unfortunately I think this was the plan all along. The "iPhone" was the flagship and cost $649 off contract for the iPhone 6, for example. With the iPhone X Apple paved the way for the new $999 product the replace the iPhone and then dilute the "regular" iPhone while still charging high end pricing (make no mistake $799 is expensive for a smartphone all things considered). And here we are.

 

[McWetty]

I just want a fatter Mini Pro

Mmm hmmm. 🤤

An iPhone Mini Pro with no camera bump, same battery life, and comfy to hold in the hand? Sign me up.

I’d love to see them dump the “non-pro” line in favor of a single lineup that only differentiates by size. Then keep the SE for budget minded people.

 

[Zwhaler]

If battery mAhs are less than the Pros but marketed as on par with Pros because of "efficiency" then getting this iPhone Air is out of the question.

This is pretty likely, or that the air will have less battery life. I'm leaning towards the latter.

 

[otozuz]

Today I traded in my old iPhone 12 mini to get an Apple Watch. I have a 14 Pro now, so when I took the mini out of the drawer I was shocked by its size and weight. It really made me want a Pro mini with decent battery life.

 

[Cirillo Gherardo]

Does anyone else hold their iPhone and wonder wtf Apple is thinking? My only guess is that they design these things specifically to be put in cases, but will just never admit it.

I honestly feel like the best Apple iPhone design was the iPhone 3G. I'm imagining what a modern iPhone designed after the 3G would be like. All glass front, with a curved plastic back that actually feels good to hold in the hand, doesn't get destroyed when dropped from 3 feet (my old 3G could survive a toss across the room), and gets phenomenal reception.