In 2017, Apple celebrated the iPhone’s 10th anniversary with the iPhone X, the biggest redesign in the product’s history. For the 20th anniversary of the device, all rumors indicate that the company is preparing another historic redesign.
The commemorative “iPhone 20” model is not expected until September 2027, but leaks have been piling up for months. According to BloombergAccording to Mark Gurman, Apple is already deep into its development, and the image that is forming in several reports is that of an iPhone that looks like a single uninterrupted plate of glass. Here’s what we expect:
- An all-glass design with four curvatures: The screen glass would curve on all four sides, hiding the metal frame during normal use. Apple is reportedly working with Samsung on a “quadruple curved equal depth” display to achieve this effect.
- Advanced OLED Technology: Apple reportedly planned a brighter, thinner Samsung OLED panel using Color Filter on Encapsulation (COE) for the anniversary iPhone, but a more recent report suggests the technology has slipped: UBI Research doesn’t expect a COE on Apple’s Pro iPhones until 2029, casting doubt on its inclusion in the 2027 model.
- Face ID and camera under the screen: Apple is reportedly continuing to test hardware that eliminates the last visible cutout on the front of the device. Apple has already launched an under-display camera on the iPhone Duo’s internal display, but reviewers have criticized its image quality. It remains unclear whether an upgraded version will be ready for the iPhone 20 launch in fall 2027.
- Static buttons: Apple is reportedly testing haptic replacements for the side, volume, action, and camera control buttons. The buttons could be integrated directly into the frame of the device, without any actual physical movement when pressed, while still retaining tactile responsiveness.
- Apple modem in the United States: Apple is developing modems that it hopes will surpass Qualcomm’s in speed and AI features; its third generation modem, expected for 2027, is the one which should finally surpass that of Qualcomm. The C1 and C1X are used in the iPhone 16e and iPhone Air, and the C2 now powers the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo. Only the American iPhone 18 Pro Max still uses a Qualcomm modem.
- Custom Apple Image Sensor: Apple is reportedly developing its own stacked image sensor to replace the Sony sensors traditionally used for the iPhone. Apple has already developed a working prototype. The sensor would use LOFIC technology, which would allow each pixel to store different amounts of light and potentially achieve up to 20 values of dynamic range.
- A 2 nanometer A21 chip: The 20th anniversary models are expected to feature a second-generation 2-nanometer chip. After the A20 Pro in this year’s iPhone 18 Pro models, the anniversary models would likely be powered by the A21 Pro.
- Silicon anode battery: Apple is reportedly exploring new battery technology using a silicon anode capable of storing more lithium ions per gram, potentially providing longer life without increasing the physical size of the battery.
- High-bandwidth mobile memory: Apple is rumored to be evaluating vertically stacked DRAM technology to improve memory bandwidth and improve on-device AI performance.
- Two sizes: Both anniversary models are expected to be slightly larger than the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, with the Digital Chat Station claiming 6.41-inch and 6.96-inch displays, the larger of which would likely be released as a 7-inch panel.
That said, we’re still ahead of a rumored fall 2027 launch, and Apple’s plans are constantly changing behind closed doors, and such ambitious features have a habit of slipping by a year or two. Under-screen Face ID in particular has been “two years away” for about five years now.
Still, taken together, the leaks depict the most dramatic iPhone redesign since 2017. If even half of the features make it to the shipped device, the iPhone 20 should be worth the wait. For everything we know so far, check out our dedicated guide.
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