The iPhone 17 Pro was initially expected to feature a significant display upgrade, rivaling the Galaxy S25 Ultra with a new anti-reflective coating. However, recent reports indicate that Apple may have abandoned this plan. Since the launch of the iPhone 12, Apple has utilized Ceramic Shield, a glass-ceramic material designed in collaboration with Corning, which has provided enhanced scratch resistance and improved drop durability. Reliable sources, as reported by MacRumors, suggest that Apple faced challenges in scaling up production of the new anti-reflective coating for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
The application process proved too time-consuming to implement in time for the launch, suggesting that widespread availability before the release may not be feasible. This news is likely disappointing for potential customers, as the current iPhone models lack anti-reflective properties. Though the existing models, including the iPhone 16 Pro, come equipped with a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating, they do not minimize glare or reflection. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts Gorilla Glass Armor 2, which significantly reduces reflections and enhances visual clarity, making it ideal for varied lighting conditions.
Despite the disappointing setback regarding the display, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to introduce several exciting features. These enhancements include a redesigned rear, a higher-resolution telephoto camera, and the new A19 Pro chip. Additionally, all new iPhones will run on iOS 19, anticipated to be a major software update. While users may lament the absence of an anti-reflective screen, the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro still holds promise with its other innovations.