In 2027, the iPhone will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Two decades after the first model was introduced in 2007, Apple is approaching a new milestone. To mark its 10th anniversary, the company launched the iPhone X—featuring Face ID, a nearly edgeless display, and a new design that shaped the direction of the years to come. A major leap is expected for the 20th anniversary. Although the iPhone 2027 is still two years away, a wealth of information and rumors are already leaking out, painting a clear picture of where things are headed.
Apple is known for carefully preparing innovations and only implementing major design changes when they are technically mature. For the 20th anniversary iPhone, the company is apparently working on several fundamental innovations—both in design and hardware. Some of these are considered further developments of existing technologies, others are considered true firsts. From a bezel-less design to an under-display camera to a dedicated modem and possibly even a foldable iPhone: There are increasing indications that 2027 will be no ordinary year for Apple.
Frameless design with curved display
Apple's goal for years has been an iPhone that looks like a single slab of glass—without visible edges or notches. This concept could become a reality by 2027. Apple is reportedly working on a display that curves downward on all four edges. This would completely eliminate the visible bezel. The result would be a device that, viewed from the front, consists almost entirely of display.
Such a design, however, brings with it challenges. Sensitivity increases, and the choice of cases may also be limited. However, Apple has invested heavily in the durability of its devices in recent years. The current models use Ceramic Shield 2, a particularly robust glass that is significantly more resistant to scratches and breakage. This material, or an even more robust version, is likely to be used in the anniversary model as well.
Samsung has offered smartphones with curved edges for years, but the devices were never completely bezel-less. Apple could now achieve this goal—and thus introduce an iPhone that visually resembles a flat slab of glass.
Face ID and camera under the display
For a completely bezel-less design to work, the front camera and the Face ID sensors must also be invisible. Apple is working on a solution that places both components under the display.
Opinions differ as to whether this will be achieved by 2027. Display analyst Ross Young believes it's possible that Apple won't have a production-ready solution by then. Other leakers believe Apple will relocate Face ID under the display, while the front camera will remain visible as a small dot. If Apple integrates both systems under the glass, the 2027 iPhone would be the first model to do without a notch, dynamic island, or punch-hole camera.
OLED improvements and new display technology
Apple plans to equip the anniversary iPhone with a brighter, thinner OLED panel. It could use displays with so-called COE (Color Filter on Encapsulation) technology, which Apple is expected to source from Samsung. This involves applying the color filter directly to the OLED's encapsulation layer, instead of using an additional polarizing film.
This design reduces the thickness of the display, increases light transmission, and ensures higher brightness with lower power consumption. One drawback of this technology is potential reflections, but Apple has already introduced a new anti-reflective coating on current models, which it plans to further improve. The company is also working on a special light-diffusion layer that ensures the display remains evenly bright across its entire surface—even at the sharply curved edges.
Camera improvements
Significant progress is also expected in the camera department. Apple is said to be working on a new HDR sensor that will provide a significantly wider dynamic range. This sensor would be able to capture details in very bright and very dark areas of the image simultaneously – with up to 20 stops of dynamic range. This corresponds to the performance level of high-quality film cameras.
The new camera could also feature a variable aperture, as already rumored for the iPhone 18 series. This would automatically react to different lighting conditions, thus ensuring better images at night or in challenging environments.
Apple's own modem
Another major issue is the modem. Until now, the cellular modems in iPhones have come from Qualcomm. However, in recent years, Apple has developed its own modem chips, which are already being tested in smaller devices like the iPhone 16e and the iPhone Air.
These proprietary developments are expected to be used across the entire iPhone lineup by 2027. The new modems are expected to be faster and more efficient than Qualcomm models. Through tight integration with the rest of the iPhone hardware, Apple could not only improve speed but also battery life. Furthermore, Apple's modems are expected to support better AI features and significantly reduce energy consumption.
The A21 chip and the next technological leap
The 2027 iPhone is expected to feature a next-generation A-series chip—likely the A21. This is based on a second-generation 2-nanometer process. The iPhone 18 models are expected to launch in 2026, featuring the A20 chip—based on a first-generation 2-nanometer process. As usual, TSMC will be responsible for manufacturing, although this will not be available until 2028 at the earliest.
Such a chip would provide more performance with lower energy consumption and would be the basis for new AI functions and more complex camera algorithms.
No iPhone 19 – Apple probably skips a number
The anniversary year could also be an exception in terms of naming. The iPhone 18 would normally be followed by the iPhone 19 in 2026. However, Apple could skip this name—similar to the jump from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone X in 2017. Instead, the anniversary model could be called the iPhone 20 or iPhone XX. A deliberate decision to highlight the 20th anniversary.
Possible introduction of a foldable iPhone
Another exciting topic is the foldable iPhone. 2026 was originally being discussed as a launch year, but recent reports from Japan suggest the project could be postponed to 2027. If this turns out to be true, Apple would unveil its first foldable iPhone precisely in its anniversary year.
This would mean the company would not only introduce a new iPhone generation, but also a new device class. Whether the foldable iPhone will be released as a separate model or as part of the anniversary series remains to be seen—if the reports of delays are true.
Time of market launch
The first iPhone was introduced on January 9, 2007, and released on June 29 of the same year. The 20th anniversary will therefore fall on June 29, 2027. However, Apple is not expected to change its usual schedule. The anniversary model will likely be unveiled in September as usual.
However, it is possible that Apple will mark the anniversary this summer with an announcement or a hint about the upcoming device – similar to the transition from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone X.
The iPhone 2027: More than just an anniversary upgrade
The 2027 iPhone will be more than just another update. Apple is apparently planning to combine many technological milestones for its 20th anniversary: an edge-to-edge curved display, a camera hidden under the glass, a brighter OLED panel, a camera with a new HDR sensor, and a 2-nanometer A21 chip. Whether the device will be introduced as the iPhone 20, iPhone XX, or simply the iPhone remains unclear. What is certain is that with this anniversary model, Apple is once again attempting to redefine the benchmark for smartphones—and thus usher in the next chapter of iPhone history. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Mykola Churpita)
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