A roadmap-like document showing the iPhone display development plan from 2026 to 2028 was posted on X (formerly Twitter).
This document describes when Dynamic Island is expected to become smaller and become full-screen, which will be of interest in predicting the future evolution of the iPhone.
iPhone display design improvement plan by 2028
The content posted this time seems to be an additional version of the Omdia-created material posted the other day.
Using diagrams, it is easy to understand how the design around the front camera will change in the future.
There will be no major changes in the standard model until 2028.
For standard models such as the iPhone 18, the successor model of the iPhone 17, it is said that the type of display and the size of the Dynamic Island will not change until the 2028 model.
This point is different from some predictions that Dynamic Island will be smaller in iPhone 18. At least according to this document, the front design of the standard model is expected to remain unchanged for a while.
The Pro model is expected to evolve gradually from 2026.
The iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max will be released in the second half of 2026 and will feature an under-screen infrared sensor (UDIR), with a smaller Dynamic Island.
The Dynamic Island is expected to maintain its smaller size in the 2027 model. Furthermore, it is said that there is a possibility that it will be equipped with a four-sided curved display on the top, bottom, left and right sides.
If this happens, it is possible that this model will be positioned as a commemorative model for the 20th anniversary of the iPhone’s release. When viewed from the front, the presence of the bezel will be greatly reduced, and the visual impact will be quite strong.
The 2028 model will feature an under-screen camera (UDC) and an under-screen Face ID (UDFI), and it is expected that full-screen functionality will finally be completed here.
In other words, there are two stages: making the bezel less noticeable and moving the front sensors completely below the screen, meaning that true full-screen technology may wait until 2028.
iPhone Air may change in 2028 model
Regarding the iPhone Air, it is expected that there will be no major changes until the 2027 model, and the size of the Dynamic Island will also be maintained.
The main changes to this model are said to arrive in the 2028 model, and in addition to the smaller Dynamic Island due to the adoption of UDIR, it is also expected to be equipped with an LTPO+ display that is expected to reduce power consumption.
Furthermore, CoE (Color Filter on Encapsulation) technology, which is said to contribute to thinner devices by eliminating the need for polarizing plates, may be introduced. It is attracting attention as a technology that further pushes the thinness typical of the iPhone Air.
It is believed that the iPhone Fold has been equipped with UDC since the first generation.
Regarding the iPhone Fold, it is stated that the first model, which is rumored to be released in September 2026, will be equipped with an under-screen camera (UDC).
However, there were predictions that the front camera of the iPhone Fold would have a punch-hole design, but this information contradicts that. Therefore, it seems necessary to take a careful look at this point at this point.
Also, like the iPhone Air 3, the 2028 model is said to introduce transparent conductive oxide (TCO) in addition to the LTPO+ display and CoE technology.
It is believed that this TCO may contribute to the realization of a camera embedded under the screen and Face ID embedded under the screen. Since the Fold model has many structural limitations, it is thought that advances in materials and display technology will be important.
Will the full screen be achieved first with the Fold or the straight model?
This Omdia document states that by adopting a four-sided curved display, a design that makes it difficult to see the bezel from the front may be realized with the Pro/Pro Max to be released in the second half of 2027.
On the other hand, it is expected that a model released in the second half of 2028 will be able to achieve a complete full screen, including a camera embedded under the screen and Face ID embedded below the screen.
There is a possibility that the Fold will be able to achieve a “full-screen” display first.
On the other hand, the iPhone Fold does not appear to have a curved display, so the bezel itself may be visible from the front. However, if a camera embedded under the screen is adopted from the first model, it may be possible to achieve a “close to full-screen” appearance at an early stage.
In other words, it is possible that the Pro series will take the lead in terms of making the bezel less visible, and that the Fold may arrive first in terms of eliminating the front opening.
And who is that someone? pic.twitter.com/99Z9GuLkal
— Harsh Patel (@ImHp21) March 31, 2026
Photo:Apple Hub/Facebook
Source: iPhone Mania
