iPhone 17 Air could have ultra-thin display from Novatek: report

The iPhone 16 series with a dedicated camera control button landed a few weeks ago, but we’re already seeing numerous iPhone 17 leaks on the internet. Apple is expected to drop the Plus model from its iPhone 17 lineup to make way for a new iPhone 17 Air. A recent rumor suggests that the upcoming iPhone 17 Slim will have an improved, thinner display. Apple will likely use Novatek’s display technology for the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.

Apple may use Novatek for iPhone 17 Air

According to one report by Digitimes Novatek, Taiwan’s leading manufacturer of display driver ICs (DDI), has announced plans to begin mass production of its OLED TDDI technology display in the second quarter of next year. Apple is believed to be one of the early adopters of this display technology.

“While industry insiders remain tight-lipped about potential end customers, speculation suggests that Novatek’s proposed shipping schedule could tie in with the next generation of iPhone displays in 2025,” the report said. Neither Apple nor Novatek have confirmed anything about the adoption of new display technology on the iPhone 17 model. However, the alignment with the expected iPhone 17 Air launch timeline and parts shipment schedules indicates that the Cupertino giant could use it for the rumored iPhone 17 Air.

With OLED TDDI technology, the same chip handles both output and touch input, allowing for thinner and more efficient displays.

There have been many speculations about the iPhone 17 Slim/Air for quite some time now. Previous reports claimed that it would sport a radically slim design, setting it apart from the rest of the iPhone 17 models. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously claimed that it will have a titanium center frame and a single 48-megapixel rear camera.

The iPhone 17 Slim could come with a 6.6-inch display with a resolution of 1,260 x 2,740 pixels and a dynamic island. It will likely run on the Apple A19 chipset, while the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max could feature the A19 Pro SoC.