Apple is planning significant changes in the design and functionality of the iPhone for the 20th anniversary of the smartphone, which the company will celebrate in 2027. This year’s model is expected to be groundbreaking due to a series of innovative solutions that are already being actively discussed in the tech industry.
This is reported by Finway
Bezel-less Curved Display and New Design
The main feature of the upcoming anniversary iPhone may be an entirely bezel-less design with a display that curves around all four edges of the device. This approach will create the effect of a monolithic piece of glass with no visible cutouts or frames. According to insiders, Apple is already working on technologies that will make such a solution a reality. It is noted that to ensure additional durability, the company is using an enhanced Ceramic Shield 2 coating that is resistant to scratches and impacts.
Similar experiments with curved displays have been conducted by Samsung; however, none of the manufacturer’s models have achieved a fully bezel-less appearance. The modern design of the iPhone in 2027 is likely to set a benchmark for the smartphone industry.
Technological Breakthroughs: Display, Camera, and Chips
Apple aims to make the front camera and Face ID invisible by placing them under the display. Some sources predict the emergence of this technology no earlier than 2027, although there are also skeptical forecasts regarding its implementation. If a fully under-display Face ID cannot be realized, a possible compromise could be placing only the camera in a tiny cutout in the display.
The anniversary iPhone, according to rumors, will feature an advanced OLED display with increased brightness and reduced thickness. It is planned to use Samsung panels with COE (Color Filter on Encapsulation) technology, which allows a color filter to be applied directly to the display layer. This will provide a thinner screen, improve energy efficiency, and ensure even lighting thanks to a new light diffusion layer.
The anniversary iPhone is expected to have a brighter and thinner OLED display. Rumor has it that Apple is using Samsung panels with COE (Color Filter on Encapsulation) technology.
Regarding the camera, Apple may implement a new HDR sensor with professional-level dynamic range and a variable aperture for even higher quality photos. Further improvements in camera software features are also anticipated.
In the field of connectivity, Apple plans to fully transition to its own modems by 2027, which will provide higher speeds, energy efficiency, and better integration with artificial intelligence features. The anniversary model will likely use the second generation of the 2-nanometer chip — A21, and the chip manufacturer TSMC is already working on even more advanced technologies.
Expected Release and Skipping iPhone 19
According to preliminary data, after the release of the iPhone 18 in 2026, the company may skip the number 19 and immediately present the iPhone 20 or iPhone XX, similar to what happened with the iPhone X in 2017. The first iPhone was announced in January 2007, so the 20th anniversary of the series falls on June 29, 2027. However, Apple traditionally presents new models in September, so the premiere of the anniversary smartphone is expected in the fall of 2027.