Apple Targets 2027 for Ultra-Thin iPhone Refresh With New OLED Tech [Report]

Apple is reportedly targeting 2027 for the next iteration of its ultra-thin iPhone, looking to further evolve the form factor using new display technology for the device's 20th anniversary. A new report from The Elec says that while the "Air" model has been dropped from Apple's near-term roadmap, the company is evaluating Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) technology as a way to slim the handset further in the future.



According to the report, Apple decided to remove the Air model from the upcoming iPhone 18 lineup after sales of the iPhone 17 Air came in well below expectations. That lines up with earlier supply chain reports indicating Apple was slashing production of the first-generation model due to weak demand. Rather than pushing out a quick follow-up, Apple appears to be taking a pause to refine the underlying technology, with a final decision on a 2027 model expected by the third quarter of this year.


One of the key technologies under consideration is CoE. Traditional OLED panels rely on a polarizer layer to reduce reflections from external light, but that layer adds thickness and blocks some light output. CoE replaces the polarizer with a color filter and a black pixel define layer, allowing more light to pass through. The result is improved efficiency, with power consumption reduced by around 20 percent, along with a thinner overall display stack.

Apple has not yet used CoE in its main iPhone lineup, but the technology is reportedly slated to debut first in the company's first foldable iPhone, expected in late 2026. Samsung Electronics is also moving in this direction, planning to adopt the technology in its upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra and future foldable devices.

Display suppliers are already preparing. Samsung Display, which refers to the technology as On-Cell Film (OCF), can already support the process but is discussing additional investments to meet Apple's future volume needs. LG Display faces a bigger challenge, as it currently lacks the required production lines. The company is using part of a major investment fund announced last June to secure the necessary equipment at its facilities in Paju and Vietnam.

The timing is notable. 2027 marks the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone, a milestone reports suggest Apple plans to mark with a major redesign. Rumors indicate the company may skip the iPhone 19 branding altogether. A refined ultra-thin model would fit alongside other rumored upgrades for the anniversary device, including under-display Face ID and cameras, as Apple pushes closer to a true all-screen design.


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