Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 Air may get the title of the thinnest iPhone ever, thanks to Novatek’s cutting-edge display technology.
Taiwan’s leading display driver IC manufacturer, Novatek, is set to begin mass production of OLED TDDI (Touch and Display Driver Integration) technology in the second quarter of 2025. OLED TDDI integrates touch and display functionality into a single chip, allowing for slimmer and more efficient screens.
Apple is anticipated to be one of the earliest adopters of this technology for its future iPhone models, potentially starting with the rumored iPhone 17 Air. The technology could lead to thinner, more energy-efficient OLED displays, giving Apple a competitive edge in display technology.
According to DigiTimes, the display technology could also enter Apple’s other product lines, including iPads and Apple Watches, before expanding across its iPhone lineup. TDDI’s integration can enhance design flexibility and performance, marking a notable shift from separate touch and display components traditionally used in OLED devices.
The impact on Apple’s devices
Integrating OLED TDDI technology in future Apple devices could offer several key benefits. First, by merging touch and display drivers into a single component, Apple could reduce the thickness of its displays, leading to slimmer iPhones and iPads.
OLED TDDI also promises improved energy efficiency, as OLED technology already consumes less power than LCDs, and TDDI could further enhance battery life. Performance enhancements such as smoother touch responsiveness and faster display refresh rates are also ideal for Apple’s premium product lines.
iPhone 17 rumors
The 2025 iPhone lineup, consisting of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and a new model, is expected to bring significant changes. One of the most notable rumors is the elimination of the Plus model due to underwhelming sales.
The iPhone Slim, also referred to as the iPhone Air by some leakers, is anticipated to be a much thinner version, possibly incorporating a titanium-aluminum alloy frame to prevent bending.
The iPhone 17 is expected to feature the A19 chip, with the Pro models benefiting from the first 2-nanometer chips developed by TSMC. These chips offer improved power efficiency and thermal management. Also, rumors suggest that the Pro models could increase RAM to 12GB, enhancing multitasking and performance for more robust applications.
Camera upgrades are also anticipated, with at least one model potentially offering adjustable apertures for improved portrait and video focus effects. A front camera upgrade, doubling the resolution to 24 megapixels, is also expected.
Due to its thinner design, the iPhone Slim may only feature a single camera to accommodate internal space constraints.
