A new report claims that thin display technology for the iPhone Fold may also be used for the single screen in an iPhone Air 2 in 2027.
The first iPhone Air in 2025 may have been a hint at the iPhone fold, as that forthcoming model will need displays that are as thin. But a new report claims that the use of display technology may also go the other way, with the iPhone Fold's screen being used to improve the iPhone Air.
Specifically, The Elec claims that Apple is considering the use of Color Filter on Encap (CoE) technology. It's previously been reported to be considering this for the 20th anniversary iPhone.
CoE reduces reflection, and removes a polarizing layer in the display, allowing more light to come through. That means it is thinner, and also brighter for the same power consumption as previous displays.
Given its benefits, it's reasonable to assume that Apple ultimately plans to move all iPhone screens to CoE technology. But it is reportedly now considering whether to start with the iPhone Fold, then continue with the next iPhone Air.
These are the two models that will most benefit from having a thinner display and better power consumption. Assuming Apple can manufacture enough such screens, at an economic cost, then these would be the obvious iPhones start with.
The report also specifies a timescale that sees the iPhone Air 2 coming out, potentially with such a screen, later than the iPhone Fold. It backs up previous claims that the iPhone Fold will launch in 2026.
Then it further reports that the iPhone Air 2 will launch in 2027. That fits with previous expectation that there won't be an iPhone Air every year.
Should Apple also move to a split iPhone launch, it could follow that the iPhone Fold, the iPhone Air 2, and the 20th anniversary iPhone could get this screen one after another in consecutive launches.
Reportedly, Samsung Display is already able to produce CoE screens. However, an unnamed industry official said that Samsung is looking to expand production, particularly if the iPhone Air 2 gets this display technology.
LG Display is said to also be looking at investing in CoE production for Apple. However, it does not currently have any CoE production lines.
Apple is said to be planning to decide on CoE in the iPhone Air by the third quarter of 2026. As well as the display, it's claimed that other, unspecified, new technologies are also under consideration.
