In 2017, Apple marked the landmark decade of the iPhone with the introduction of the iPhone X, which represented the most significant redesign in the brand’s illustrious history.
As the tech giant gears up to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this iconic device, burgeoning rumors suggest another formidable redesign is on the horizon.
The anticipated “iPhone 20” is set for a September 2027 release, but speculation regarding its features has intensified over the past months.
Renowned industry analyst Mark Gurman, writing for Bloomberg, indicates that Apple is significantly advancing in the development of this device, painting a picture of an iPhone that appears as a seamless, uninterrupted expanse of glass. Here’s an overview of expected innovations:
- A quad-curved, all-glass visage: Reports suggest that the device’s display glass will elegantly curve at all four edges, effectively concealing the metal frame during regular usage. Apple is collaborating with Samsung to design an “equal-depth quad-curved” display to achieve this aesthetic.
- Cutting-edge OLED technology: Initial plans for a brighter, thinner OLED panel employing Color Filter on Encapsulation (COE) were reportedly set for this anniversary model; however, a recent analysis from UBI Research indicates this technology may not appear in Apple’s Pro iPhones until 2029, raising questions about its potential inclusion in the 2027 iteration.
- Under-display Face ID and camera: Apple appears to be testing innovative hardware aimed at eliminating the final visible cutout from the device’s facade.
Although an under-display camera debuted on the iPhone Duo’s internal screen, reviewers have raised concerns regarding its image quality. Whether a refined version will be ready for the projected fall 2027 launch remains to be seen. - Solid-state buttons: The company is reportedly experimenting with haptic substitutes for the Side, Volume, Action, and Camera Control buttons.
These buttons might be seamlessly integrated into the device’s framework, enabling tactile feedback without any physical movement when engaged. - Apple’s modem aspirations in the United States: Apple is on a quest to develop modems that could surpass Qualcomm’s in terms of speed and artificial intelligence capabilities; the third-generation modem, anticipated for a 2027 debut, is expected to finally outpace Qualcomm’s offerings.
Currently, the C1 and C1X modems are utilized in the iPhone 16e and iPhone Air, while the C2 powers the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo. Notably, only the U.S. variant of the iPhone 18 Pro Max continues to rely on a Qualcomm modem. - Proprietary Apple image sensor: The tech giant is believed to be developing a proprietary stacked image sensor intended to replace the Sony sensors conventionally used in the iPhone lineup.
Reports suggest that Apple has already crafted a functional prototype. This new sensor is rumored to utilize LOFIC technology, allowing each pixel to capture differing amounts of light and potentially achieving up to 20 stops of dynamic range. - A 2-nanometer A21 chip: The forthcoming anniversary devices are anticipated to debut a second-generation 2-nanometer chip. Following the A20 Pro showcased in this year’s iPhone 18 Pro models, these anniversary devices will likely incorporate the A21 Pro.
- Silicon anode battery: Apple is exploring a pioneering battery technology featuring a silicon anode that could facilitate the storage of more lithium ions per gram—potentially extending battery life without augmenting the battery’s physical dimensions.
- Mobile high bandwidth memory: The company is rumored to be assessing vertically stacked DRAM technology aimed at bolstering memory bandwidth and enhancing on-device AI performance.
- Two size variations: The two anniversary models are predicted to be marginally larger than the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, with Digital Chat Station projecting display sizes of 6.41 inches and 6.96 inches, the latter likely positioned as a 7-inch option.
Despite the intriguing prospects, the iPhone 20’s rumored release in the fall of 2027 is still a way off, and Apple’s plans remain fluid and subject to change behind the scenes.
Furthermore, features of this ambition often experience delays and deferments. Under-display Face ID, for example, has been touted as “two years away” for an extensive period now.
Nevertheless, when aggregated, these leaks delineate the most substantial reevaluation of the iPhone’s design ethos since 2017.
If even a portion of these envisaged features materializes in the final product, the iPhone 20 promises to be a benchmark device worth anticipating. For further details, peruse our dedicated guide.
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Source link: Macrumors.com.
