iPhone 15 Pro's Thinner Bezels and Manufacturing Issue: What to Know

[MacRumors]

Apple's upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are rumored to feature thinner bezels around the display compared to the current models, but this change has reportedly led to a manufacturing issue ahead of the devices launching.

iPhone 15 Pro Max replica (left) vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max (right)​

Below, we recap what has been reported about the manufacturing issue and what impact it might have on the iPhone 15 Pro launch later this year.

Thinner Bezels

Multiple leakers have shared images and videos of alleged front glass panels for the iPhone 15 Pro models, and these panels appear to have considerably thinner bezels around the display compared to iPhone 14 Pro models. The bezels are expected to have a slightly curved design, and the Pro Max model could have the thinnest bezels on any smartphone ever.

iPhone 14 Pro front glass (left) vs. alleged iPhone 15 Pro front glass (right) via Bilibili​

YouTube channel Unbox Therapy provided a side-by-side comparison of the bezels on an unofficial iPhone 15 Pro Max dummy model and the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

While most rumors have claimed only the Pro models will have a bezel reduction this year, a previously-accurate leaker known as Ice Universe shared an image showing that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus might have slightly thinner bezels as well.

Manufacturing Issue

Last week, The Information's Wayne Ma reported that Apple suppliers were facing challenges assembling iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max displays with thinner bezels, and he said the issue could lead to a supply shortage when the devices launch in September. He said the issue was more pronounced with the Pro Max model.

Bloomberg's Debby Wu and Takashi Mochizuki subsequently reported there was a "minor hiccup" with the displays, but said the issue should be fixed "within a week or two" and "will not have a noticeable impact on overall production."

Display Supply Chain Consultants CEO Ross Young said iPhone 15 Pro display shipments are now "ramping" as the technical issues are overcome, further increasing the likelihood that Apple will not delay the launch of the iPhone 15 Pro models. At worst, it seems that shipping estimates on launch day may slip quicker than they would have otherwise.

Other Features

Beyond thinner bezels, the iPhone 15 Pro models are rumored to feature a USB-C port, titanium frame, customizable Action button, faster A17 Bionic chip, camera improvements, Wi-Fi 6E support, increased RAM, an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip, and more. These new features coupled with inflationary pressures may lead to price increases for the devices.

For additional details, read our in-depth iPhone 15 Pro roundup.

Article Link: iPhone 15 Pro's Thinner Bezels and Manufacturing Issue: What to Know

 

[k1121j]

Non eventful "feature" in my opinion.

 

[Mojohanna32]

Every year there is a "supply shortage" due to some sort of manufacturing issue.... whatever.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

I'm guessing having thinner bezels will cost more to manufacture thus the prices are going up. In my opinion, I wish Apple had focused on making the iPhone wider not just taller.

 

[jz0309]

Manufacturing Issue

Last week, The Information's Wayne Ma reported that Apple suppliers were facing challenges assembling iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max displays with thinner bezels, and he said the issue could lead to a supply shortage when the devices launch in September. He said the issue was more pronounced with the Pro Max model.

Bloomberg's Debby Wu and Takashi Mochizuki subsequently reported there was a "minor hiccup" with the displays, but said the issue should be fixed "within a week or two" and "will not have a noticeable impact on overall production."

Display Supply Chain Consultants CEO Ross Young said iPhone 15 Pro display shipments are now "ramping" as the technical issues are overcome, further increasing the likelihood that Apple will not delay the launch of the iPhone 15 Pro models. At worst, it seems that shipping estimates on launch day may slip quicker than they would have otherwise.

sounds like the "issue" is resolved ...

 

[surfzen21]

I plan on getting a 15Pro and the thinness of these bezels compared to my iPhone11 are going to look like night and day.

 

[BreakingKayfabe]

Whatever. I'm sure when I pre-order I'll have it in my hands the following week.

 

[rotvaldi]

Another fake rumor to increase price… come on fk sakes

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

sounds like the "issue" is resolved ...

The manufacturing issues have been resolved. Multiple reports have confirmed

iPhone 15 display assembly problems reportedly resolved

Apple has begun ramping up display production for the iPhone 15 lineup, with shipments expected to be higher than iPhone 14 series despite rumored production issues.

appleinsider.com

iPhone 15 Pro production issue may be resolved before delay

The iPhone 15 Pro was doomed last week, but the train might be back on the track for Apple. Or...

9to5mac.com

 

[Unity451]

The thinner bezels looks nice, but I'm still not paying $1000+ for a phone.

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

The thinner bezels looks nice, but I'm still not paying $1000+ for a phone.

Get a deal from your carrier

 

[jobsworth]

Thin bezels look great... until you put a case on the phone

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

Thin bezels look great... until you put a case on the phone

Exactly, it's pointless the second you put a case on

 

[Realityck]

I'm guessing having thinner bezels will cost more to manufacture thus the prices are going up. In my opinion, I wish Apple had focused on making the iPhone wider not just taller.

Thinner bezels doesn't matter that much as a hard shell case will still wrap around and hide the edges of the display. Also the thinner the bezel is the more chance of accidental dropping damage, maybe. Time will tell.

IMHO I think they need to keep the aspect ratio the same, so if it was made a bit wider it should be a bit taller.

 

[ELman]

I'm guessing having thinner bezels will cost more to manufacture thus the prices are going up. In my opinion, I wish Apple had focused on making the iPhone wider not just taller.

How will you hold it with small hands?

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

How will you hold it with small hands?

Small hands = Regular Pro Model.

 

[jamezr]

I'm guessing having thinner bezels will cost more to manufacture thus the prices are going up. In my opinion, I wish Apple had focused on making the iPhone wider not just taller.

right there with you...the bezels are thin enough. Any thinner and it will make holding the phone almost inpossible without touching the display

 

[thegerman]

The funny thing is, Apple still give us that faulty Display since the pandemic. QC are getting worse over the years

 

[diddl14]

Weird. It's not like Apple is the first one to introduce ultra small bezels on a smart phone.

 

[dannyyankou]

Am I the only one who doesn't care about ultra thin bezels? I feel like if this is causing issues, there's more useful things I'd rather they spend time focusing on. In fact, here's a design idea: make the phone slightly thicker to make the camera bump less obnoxious, and to allow for a bigger battery.

 

[DailySlow]

This gorgeous, expensive, shiny jewel of a device means to me that that before I leave the Apple Store I will have a case on it to protect my investment. Absolutely. Ultra skinny bezels are virtually meaningless in real life.

 

[boswald]

Am I the only one who doesn't care about ultra thin bezels? I feel like if this is causing issues, there's more useful things I'd rather they spend time focusing on. In fact, here's a design idea: make the phone slightly thicker to make the camera bump less obnoxious, and to allow for a bigger battery.

I’m with you. Looking at the two pictures above, I don’t see a huge difference. So far I don’t have any compelling reason to upgrade.

 

[Bobajobbob]

Every year the same bs story about supply shortages for the new iPhone.

 

[EvilEvil]

Goldman Sachs is going to lose more money with people paying for their new $1000 iPhones with interest-free monthly installments.

 

[dannyyankou]

I’m with you. Looking at the two pictures above, I don’t see a huge difference. So far I don’t have any compelling reason to upgrade.

I'm going to upgrade because I have the 12 pro, but it definitely looks like an "S" type of update. This would be a perfect opportunity to increase the thickness to significantly increase battery life. They can make it 20% thicker, but it won't feel like it because titanium is so much lighter than steel.