Apple’s next-gen Pro iPhones may finally gain a feature Samsung has offered for years: an advanced anti-reflective and scratch-resistant display coating. A new report claims Apple has overcome production hurdles that previously stalled this upgrade, paving the way for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max to debut with a more durable and sunlight-friendly screen.
This new coating reportedly cuts down glare and boosts resistance to scratches, improving upon the current Ceramic Shield glass that Apple introduced in partnership with Corning.
While all current iPhones feature an oleophobic layer to resist fingerprints, reflection reduction has largely been reserved for Apple’s iPads and Macs until now.
Initial attempts to bring the new display layer to iPhones in 2024 ran into trouble, with manufacturing lines slowing down and yield rates dropping. Those issues have now been resolved, according to sources familiar with Apple’s supply chain. With production now scalable, the company appears ready to roll out the feature-though only for its premium Pro models.
The standard iPhone 17 and rumored iPhone 17 Air are not expected to receive the same screen upgrade, a move that further cements Apple’s strategy of keeping top-tier features exclusive to its higher-end devices.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra already uses Gorilla Glass Armor, which reduces reflections by up to 75% while offering enhanced durability. The difference is noticeable outdoors, where the display remains clear even in bright sunlight.
If Apple can deliver similar results without impacting its manufacturing timeline, the iPhone 17 Pro lineup could offer a significant leap in real-world usability. The decision, however, continues a growing divide between Pro and non-Pro iPhones-giving enthusiasts more reasons to upgrade, while leaving base model users craving the same advancements.