Apple might achieve the bezel-less dream with the iPhone 16 Pro but how?

• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max: Upgrade season might be upon us this fall

Now, I get it – we're talking about tiny measurements here. It might seem downright comical to fuss over a difference of less than 1mm (can you even wrap your head around it?), but hey, in the world of smartphones, every millimeter counts. After all, when was the last time you heard someone say, "I wish my phone had thicker bezels"? Exactly.

Thinnest bezels ever? Great!

Let's pause for a moment and consider the purpose behind slimming down those bezels. It's all about maximizing the precious front surface area of the phone, giving us more screen real estate without bulking up the overall size. But oops, the Pro models are already reportedly getting bigger:

• The iPhone 16 Pro is rumored to bump up its screen size from 6.1 inches to a slightly roomier 6.3 inches.

• Meanwhile, its big brother, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, is expected to stretch from 6.7 inches to a hefty 6.9 inches.

So, smaller bezels on a bigger screen? It sounds like a winning combination that would undoubtedly enhance your viewing pleasure, whether catching up on your favorite shows or immersing yourself in a gaming marathon.

But that's not all. As I pondered the implications of this, I couldn't help but be reminded of one of my favorite things: technological advancements.

Technology never ceases to amaze me

Overall, the trend of shrinking bezels and increasing screen sizes is a clear sign of how technology is pushing the boundaries of smartphone design. Thinner bezels create a sleeker and more modern look for phones and pave the way for enhanced user experiences. But how exactly is this possible, you might ask?

The answer is a technology called Border Reduction Structure (BRS). It is an advancement that targets the reduction of bezel thickness, particularly honing in on the notorious bottom bezel, historically the chunkiest offender.

So, what's the secret behind BRS? It's all about optimizing the layout of the intricate circuitry beneath the display surface. By fine-tuning the design for maximum efficiency, BRS allows for significant reductions in bezel size.

Now, let's talk logistics. One of the difficulties with minimizing the bottom bezel, for example, is accommodating the necessary wiring. BRS might address this by using techniques like:

• Folding or bending the wiring: this could involve carefully folding or bending some of the display's electrical connections downwards, allowing them to fit within a smaller bezel area.
• Relocating components: BRS might involve relocating some essential components from the bottom bezel to a different area within the phone's design.

Overall, Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology has the potential to be a significant advancement in smartphone design, enabling sleeker phones with larger displays. However, we'll have to wait for official announcements or confirmed leaks to understand the specifics of this technology and its potential drawbacks.