Plans for a new scratch-resistant, anti-reflective display coating in the iPhone 17 Pro seem to have been quietly shelved, following production hiccups that Apple reportedly couldn’t iron out in time for mass rollout.
Back in 2024, reliable leakers hinted that Apple was working on an upgraded display layer that not only reduced glare but was also tougher than the existing Ceramic Shield. This innovation, had it succeeded, would have marked the first time an iPhone featured built-in anti-reflective technology—a perk currently reserved for certain iPads and Macs with nano-texture glass.
But the dream coating appears to have run into very real manufacturing roadblocks. According to multiple insider reports, the coating process proved too slow and inefficient to scale across millions of units. Even with the feature limited to the Pro and Pro Max variants, Apple reportedly found the process unfeasible and has since pulled the plug on the upgrade, for now.
Currently, iPhones rely on an oleophobic layer to keep fingerprint smudges in check. Anti-glare properties, however, remain noticeably absent in the lineup. Meanwhile, competitors like Samsung are pushing ahead.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts Gorilla Glass Armor, a screen that reduces reflections by up to 75% while offering four times the scratch resistance compared to standard glass. This gives Samsung a clear advantage in visibility and vibrancy, especially in bright conditions.
Apple hasn’t officially commented on the dropped feature. Whether the anti-reflective coating is dead or just delayed remains unclear. It’s possible the company is reconsidering its approach, perhaps even eyeing a modified nano-texture method for future models. But for the iPhone 17 Pro, it looks like the glossy status quo will remain intact.
In a world where tech giants race to outdo each other on screen tech, Apple’s move (or lack thereof) suggests that perfection still comes second to production timelines.
