Apple's iPhone 16 Pro models incorporate advanced technologies to achieve significantly reduced screen borders, enhancing the overall display experience. The key technology employed is Border Reduction Structure (BRS), which allows for thinner bezels by optimizing internal component arrangement.
Technologies Behind Reduced Screen Borders
Border Reduction Structure (BRS)
- Functionality: BRS technology minimizes the bezel size by compacting the internal copper wiring and circuitry. This innovation enables a more streamlined design, allowing the display to extend closer to the edges of the device[1][2].- Implementation: The BRS technique involves bending some wiring downwards near the panel edges, which has previously posed manufacturing challenges. However, recent advancements in heat dissipation technologies have made it feasible to implement this method without overheating issues[2][4].
Comparison with Previous Models
- The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to feature a bezel size of approximately 1.2 mm, while the Pro Max model may have an even slimmer bezel of 1.15 mm. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro had bezels measuring about 1.71 mm, representing a reduction of around 30%[3][5].- Prior to this, Apple had already reduced bezel sizes in the iPhone 15 series using low-injection pressure over-molding (LIPO), achieving a bezel width of about 1.5 mm[1].
Display Size Increase
- Alongside thinner bezels, the display sizes for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are set to increase to 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively, compared to their predecessors' sizes of 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches. This increase in screen area is made possible without significantly enlarging the device's overall dimensions due to the reduced bezel size[2][6].Manufacturing Challenges
- Despite these advancements, suppliers like LG Display and Samsung Display face challenges in achieving the production rates required for BRS technology, which may impact supply timelines[2][5].In summary, the iPhone 16 Pro models utilize cutting-edge BRS technology to achieve some of the thinnest bezels in smartphone history while simultaneously increasing display sizes, thereby enhancing user experience without compromising device ergonomics or performance.
Citations:[1] https://www.macrumors.com/2024/03/20/iphone-16-ultra-thin-bezels-rumor/
[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/apples-iphone-16-pro-models-could-feature-thinner-screen-bezels-with-new-display-technology/articleshow/109069311.cms
[3] https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/iphone-16-pro-display-bezels-could-be-narrowest-in-the-world
[4] https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1196415-apple-iphone-16-pro-models-getting-thinnest-bezels
[5] https://www.phonearena.com/news/bezels-on-iphone-16-pro-will-be-one-third-smaller_id162285
[6] https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-iphone-16-pro-to-have-thinnest-bezels-yet-report-says/
[7] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-debuts-iphone-16-pro-and-iphone-16-pro-max/
[8] https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2024/06/06/apple-iphone-16-pro-to-boast-record-breaking-design-leak-claims/