Apple is reportedly moving forward with a new scratch-resistant, anti-reflective display for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models. According to reports, Apple’s suppliers have overcome earlier production yield issues, clearing the way for the new display technology to enter mass production.
The new display coating is said to offer better scratch resistance than the current Ceramic Shield, potentially making iPhone 17 Pro models more resistant to everyday wear and tear. On top of that, the anti-reflective layer will help reduce glare, improving screen visibility in bright conditions—a feature Apple has previously emphasized in its iPad and Mac product lines but not on iPhones.
While the upgrade is promising, it appears to be limited to the Pro lineup. The base iPhone 17 and rumored iPhone 17 Air are not expected to receive the new display.
Earlier this year, Apple faced production bottlenecks due to the complexity of the anti-reflective coating process, which initially threatened to cancel the feature altogether. However, those issues have now been resolved, and the improved process has made it viable for large-scale implementation.
With competitors like Samsung incorporating Gorilla Glass Armor—offering up to 75% reflection reduction and better contrast—Apple’s move could be part of its strategy to remain competitive in display innovation.
