Apple is apparently testing a second new display panel for the anniversary iPhone. After the seven-inch display for the largest model, a diagonal of around 6.4 inches is now being considered, reportedly intended for the Pro model. If the entire lineup grows, it would be the first size adjustment since 2024.
Rumors about the anniversary model have been circulating for months, focusing on glass, curves, and a rimless design. However, the actual diagonal dimensions have remained unclear – the overview of all rumors surrounding the anniversary model so far primarily concerns design and manufacturing details.
A post on Weibo now adds to the figures. According to the Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is currently sampling two new panels: one with approximately 6.4 inches and the already familiar one with just under seven inches.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Apple is reportedly testing two new display panels measuring approximately 6.4 and just under seven inches.
- The smaller area is assigned to the Pro model of the anniversary iPhone.
- The screen diagonals of the entire series are to increase, the aspect ratio will remain the same.
- Accordingly, there is once again talk of a frameless case with rounded edges on all four sides.
- The leaker is accurate regarding supplier details, but sampling does not yet mean a decision on series production.
What the leak provides in terms of numbers
The 6.4-inch screen would be a small step up from what's currently available. The iPhone 17 Pro measures 6.3 inches, and the iPhone 18 Pro, expected in September, is rumored to retain the same diagonal size.
The larger model will retain the screen size reported in July: approximately 6.96 inches, which would likely be marketed as seven inches. This would make it the largest iPhone display ever.
| Model | Diagonal | Status |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro | 6.3 inches | in trade |
| iPhone 18 Pro | 6.3 inches | Expected for September, unchanged |
| iPhone 20 Pro | approximately 6.4 inches | Panel in sampling |
| iPhone 20 Pro Max | approximately 6.96 inches | Panel in sampling |
Apple last adjusted the screen sizes of its 2024 Pro models: The iPhone 16 Pro grew from 6.1 to 6.3 inches, and the Pro Max from 6.7 to 6.9 inches. Since then, the size has remained unchanged.
Grow taller without appearing taller
The more interesting part of the leak isn't in the diagonals, but in two subordinate clauses. The aspect ratio is to remain unchanged, and the devices are to have a completely borderless design with rounded edges on all four sides.
Together, these two points paint a plausible picture: If the bezel practically disappears, the usable screen area increases without the casing having to grow by a corresponding amount. The jump from 6.3 to 6.4 inches could thus be accommodated without the device feeling noticeably different in the hand.
This picture aligns with previous reports about a prototype with a fully curved display, as well as about a micro-curved OLED from Samsung. The diagonal size would therefore be a consequence of the design, not its purpose.
How reliable is the information?
Digital Chat Station regularly reports on the supply chain and is often accurate regarding panel and battery details. The catch lies in the nature of the information: "Sample" means that Apple is testing a panel – not that it will go into mass production.
Doubts had already arisen precisely at this point. A report in May warned of image distortion at the edges of a borderless display – an unresolved problem would cost screen space rather than the design.
Added to this is the timeframe. The anniversary model is expected in 2027, and six new iPhone models are rumored for this year. Several rounds of sampling are still required before a final decision is made regarding screen sizes and casings.
The model names are also still unknown. Whether Apple will market the anniversary model as the iPhone 20 or choose its own name is currently speculation.
Why 0.1 inches is more than it sounds
A tenth of an inch sounds like a rounding error. In practice, it determines whether Apple will even touch the Pro series after three generations with the same size – and whether the larger model at just under seven inches stands alone at the top or is part of a continuously growing series.
This isn't good news for buyers with smaller hands. Since the discontinuation of the mini models, there's nothing under 6.3 inches in the current lineup; if the series expands as a whole, the lower limit will continue to rise. Anyone weighing their options today will find the real differences in a comparison of the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro.
It's remarkable how early this thread is running. A device that won't be released until autumn 2027 at the earliest already has two proven panel sizes, a discussed manufacturing process, and a documented problem report – at a time when the iPhone 18 Pro hasn't even been unveiled yet. (Image: Apfelpatient)
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