Apple is reportedly testing larger display panels for its upcoming Pro smartphone line, pointing toward potential 7-inch screens for future flagship models, according to supply chain leaks published by industry analyst Digital Chat Station on Weibo. The testing phase indicates that Apple may increase screen sizes across its Pro lineup for its anniversary device cycle, following a period of stable dimensions that began with the iPhone 16 Pro series in 2024.
Display Size Projections for Anniversary Flagships
According to supply chain reports shared on Weibo by Digital Chat Station, Apple is currently evaluating two distinct OLED panel sizes. The first panel measures approximately 6.4 inches and is slated for evaluation in the Pro model, while the second panel reaches 7 inches for the Pro Max variant. These figures represent a notable increase from the 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch footprints established by the iPhone 16 Pro and continued through subsequent generations, including the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
Despite the physical enlargement of the display real estate, the supply chain leak indicates that Apple intends to maintain the existing aspect ratio. This structural approach means future devices will offer larger viewing areas while preserving familiar proportions. Digital Chat Station has a reliable track record regarding component specifications, though final design and aesthetic details frequently shift during the prototyping phase.
Bezel-Free Design and Micro-Curved Glass Technology
Alongside expanded display dimensions, the upcoming anniversary hardware is expected to introduce significant alterations to the front glass geometry. Supply chain tracking indicates that Apple is developing a quad-curved panel featuring micro-curved glass across all four edges of the device. This configuration aims to eliminate visible side bezels entirely, creating a seamless visual profile.
Industry reports dating back to April detail similar implementations of multi-sided curved OLED architectures designed to achieve a frame-free appearance. If integrated into production units, this physical configuration would represent the most substantial front-facing industrial design modification since the introduction of the iPhone X in 2017.
Internal Component and Architecture Upgrades
Hardware modifications for the anniversary generation extend beyond external glass and display metrics. Industry expectations and component tracking point to the integration of several advanced internal systems currently moving through testing phases:
- Under-Panel Face ID: Shifting authentication hardware beneath the active display area to minimize sensor cutouts.
- A21 System-on-Chip: Utilizing next-generation silicon nodes for enhanced processing efficiency and computational power.
- High-Bandwidth Memory: Upgrading memory subsystems to handle intensive on-device processing loads.
- Pure Silicon Batteries: Adopting advanced battery chemistries to increase energy density without expanding physical battery volume.
Because these features remain in internal testing, engineering specifications may shift before Apple locks down the final manufacturing blueprint for production.
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