Apple is reportedly preparing one of the boldest iPhone redesigns in the company’s history, and the growing flood of leaks surrounding the so-called “iPhone 20” suggests the smartphone market could be heading toward another massive design shift in 2027. Reports from supply chain insiders, analysts, and leakers increasingly point toward a futuristic anniversary iPhone that may abandon many of the physical design traits users associate with modern smartphones today.
The device is expected to arrive in 2027 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone launch. Several reports claim Apple wants the model to become another “iPhone X moment” the kind of redesign that reshapes the entire industry for years afterward. Earlier reports surrounding the iPhone 20 redesign already hinted that Apple was preparing one of its most aggressive hardware transitions in years.
One of the biggest rumored changes is a completely uninterrupted display with no visible notch, Dynamic Island, punch-hole camera, or Face ID cutout. Apple is reportedly testing advanced under-display Face ID technology alongside hidden camera components that would finally allow the iPhone to become a true all-screen iPhone.
According to multiple leaks, Apple is also developing a curved OLED display that wraps around all four edges of the phone. Unlike earlier waterfall displays seen on Android devices several years ago, Apple is reportedly trying to engineer a wraparound display that minimizes accidental touches and visual distortion while creating the appearance of a nearly borderless slab of glass.
The rumored design is already creating debate among smartphone enthusiasts and industry watchers. Some users believe Apple could revive the curved-display trend across the entire industry if the iPhone 20 becomes successful. Others fear Android manufacturers may once again rush to imitate Apple’s design direction even if consumers moved away from curved screens years ago.
PhoneArena columnist Peter Kostadinov recently warned that Apple’s rumored “waterfall” design could trigger another industry-wide copycat cycle similar to what happened after the iPhone X introduced the notch and after the iPhone 12 revived flat-edge designs.
Several reports also suggest Apple is experimenting with a body that uses dramatically more glass than previous iPhones. Some rumors describe the anniversary model as an almost seamless glass shell where the display visually blends into the device’s sides. Analysts discussing the future iPhone design direction believe Apple may be attempting to create its most futuristic smartphone aesthetic yet.
The internal hardware could see equally aggressive upgrades.
One major rumor claims Apple may finally introduce solid-state haptic buttons instead of traditional physical buttons. The technology would reportedly use advanced pressure-sensitive sensors combined with haptic feedback engines to simulate button presses without moving parts. Multiple leaks claim Apple has revived Project Bongo, the company’s internal initiative focused on replacing physical controls with haptic alternatives.
Reports claim Apple has already tested the buttons under extreme conditions including wet hands, gloves, and low temperatures. Because the buttons would not physically move, the design could improve durability while helping Apple create a cleaner and more water-resistant chassis. Earlier leaks discussing solid-state haptic buttons suggested the feature could become one of the defining upgrades of the anniversary iPhone.
Battery technology may also receive a major overhaul. Leaks suggest Apple is exploring silicon-anode battery technology to dramatically improve battery density without making the phone thicker. Some reports claim the iPhone 20 could feature a battery close to 6,000mAh while supporting reverse wireless charging for accessories like AirPods and Apple Watch devices.
Apple is also rumored to be developing upgraded Ceramic Shield protection for the anniversary iPhone. Reports claim the company wants to improve scratch resistance and edge durability, especially if the device launches with a curved glass-heavy design.
Artificial intelligence is expected to become another major focus of the device. Analysts believe Apple’s long-term hardware roadmap increasingly revolves around running more advanced AI tasks directly on the device instead of relying heavily on cloud processing. That shift may require faster memory systems, upgraded neural processing hardware, and more efficient thermal management.
The iPhone 20 may also arrive during a larger transition period for Apple’s smartphone lineup. Reports continue to suggest Apple is preparing its first foldable iPhone Ultra around the same timeframe, potentially creating the biggest iPhone lineup transformation since the company split the iPhone range into standard and Pro models.
Leaks surrounding Apple foldable iPhone plans suggest the company is still aggressively pursuing premium foldable hardware despite manufacturing challenges and rising component costs.
Some reports have even claimed Apple is targeting a near crease-free display for its foldable ambitions, a move that could help separate Apple from existing foldable rivals.
Apple’s broader premium hardware roadmap, including Apple’s Ultra strategy, appears increasingly focused on ultra-premium devices designed to push higher margins and redefine flagship experiences.
Some analysts believe the company’s long-term Apple foldable ambitions could eventually reshape not just the iPhone lineup but also the future of iPads and hybrid mobile devices.
Still, not every rumor appears guaranteed.
Some analysts believe Apple’s under-display camera ambitions may still face major technical limitations. Display analyst Ross Young reportedly believes Apple may continue shrinking the Dynamic Island over several generations rather than eliminating it completely by 2027.
Under-display camera systems have historically struggled with image quality issues on Android devices, especially regarding sharpness, color accuracy, and low-light performance. Apple’s traditionally cautious hardware approach suggests the company may delay certain technologies until they meet its performance standards.
At the same time, persistent reports about foldable iPhone delays suggest Apple is still carefully balancing ambitious hardware goals with reliability concerns before entering the foldable market.
Even so, the growing consistency across multiple reports suggests Apple is preparing an unusually ambitious redesign cycle. With smartphone upgrades slowing globally and AI competition intensifying, Apple’s anniversary iPhone could become the company’s attempt to reignite excitement around premium smartphones again.
If even half of the leaks prove accurate, the iPhone 20 may not simply become another annual upgrade. It could become the device that reshapes smartphone design trends for the next decade.
