Apple Eyes 2027 for a Thinner iPhone Using New OLED Display Technology

Apple may be taking a step back from its ultra-thin iPhone ambitions in the short term—but only to make a bigger leap later. According to a new report from The Elec, Apple is now targeting 2027 for the next major evolution of its ultra-thin iPhone, potentially debuting new display technology as part of the iPhone’s 20th anniversary celebration.

Rather than rushing a follow-up, Apple appears to be refining the underlying technology that could allow the device to become even thinner without compromising performance or battery life.

Why the iPhone “Air” Is on Pause

The report claims Apple has removed the Air model from its near-term roadmap, meaning it will not be part of the upcoming iPhone 18 lineup. This decision reportedly follows weaker-than-expected sales of the iPhone 17 Air, echoing earlier supply chain reports that Apple had already reduced production of the first-generation model due to low demand.

Instead of pushing out a quick refresh, Apple is said to be reassessing the concept altogether. A final decision on whether to move forward with a new ultra-thin model is expected by the third quarter of this year, with 2027 now emerging as the earliest realistic launch window.

The Technology Apple Is Betting On: CoE Displays

At the center of Apple’s long-term plan is a display technology known as Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE).

Traditional OLED displays use a polarizer layer to reduce reflections from external light, but that layer adds thickness and blocks some light output. CoE removes the polarizer and replaces it with:

• A color filter
• A black pixel define layer

This approach allows more light to pass through the display, resulting in:

• Up to 20 percent lower power consumption
• A thinner overall display stack
• Improved efficiency without sacrificing brightness

For an ultra-thin iPhone, those benefits are significant.

CoE Could Debut Before 2027

Apple reportedly plans to introduce CoE technology first in its foldable iPhone, which is expected to arrive in late 2026. That device could serve as a testing ground before the technology makes its way into a mainstream ultra-thin iPhone the following year.

Samsung is moving in the same direction. The company plans to adopt similar technology—referred to internally as On-Cell Film (OCF)—in the Galaxy S26 Ultra and future foldable devices, signaling a broader industry shift.

Display Suppliers Are Preparing Now

Apple’s display partners are already laying the groundwork:

• Samsung Display can already support the CoE/OCF process and is discussing further investments to meet Apple’s future volume needs
• LG Display faces a steeper climb and is reportedly using part of a major investment fund announced last June to upgrade facilities in Paju and Vietnam

These preparations suggest Apple’s plans are more than theoretical, even if the product itself is still a few years away.

A Big Moment for the iPhone’s 20th Anniversary

The timing of this potential ultra-thin iPhone refresh is no accident. 2027 marks the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone, and multiple reports suggest Apple is planning a major redesign to commemorate the milestone.

Rumors point to:

• A refined ultra-thin form factor
• Under-display Face ID
• Under-display cameras
• A move closer to a true all-screen design
• Possibly skipping the “iPhone 19” name altogether

If Apple does deliver a dramatically thinner iPhone using new display technology, it would be a fitting centerpiece for such a landmark year.

A Longer View on Design Innovation

For now, Apple seems content to pause, learn, and refine. The short-term retreat of the Air model doesn’t signal the end of ultra-thin iPhones—it suggests Apple wants the next version to be meaningfully better, not just thinner for the sake of it.

If the pieces fall into place, 2027 could mark one of the most important design shifts in iPhone history.