Apple’s 20th-anniversary iPhone, expected in 2027, will feature a quad-curved all-glass design, under-display Face ID, and potential 7-inch screen options, according to multiple reports.
Apple’s 20th-anniversary iPhone, set to arrive in 2027, is shaping up to be its most dramatic design overhaul since the iPhone X. The device, which will celebrate the original iPhone’s 20th anniversary on June 29, 2027, is rumored to include an all-glass body, a 7-inch display, and under-display facial recognition technology, according to reports from Macrumors, GSMArena, and 9to5mac.
A Glass-First Design With Quad-Curved Edges
The iPhone’s design is reportedly moving toward a single slab of glass
vision, with a quad-curved display that wraps around all four edges. Macrumors described the panel as having equal-depth quad-curved design with very shallow 'micro-curves,'
which could reduce distortion and enhance touch sensitivity. GSMArena added that the 20th-anniversary model may feature a 6.96-inch screen, slightly larger than the current iPhone 17 Pro Max, though the aspect ratio would remain unchanged. 9to5mac noted that the glass back, which would return to a design seen on early models like the iPhone Air, is also under consideration.
Manufacturing facilities are reportedly ready, with one source claiming the quality will match that of the first-generation iPhone Air. However, the all-glass construction may introduce fragility, a trade-off for the futuristic aesthetic. Would you consider this an acceptable trade-off for a highly futuristic design?
9to5mac asked, leaving the answer to reader debate.
Under-Display Face ID and Display Innovations
Apple is reportedly working on embedding the Face ID system beneath the display, using a spliced micro-transparent glass
window. This technology, which DSCC’s Ross Young suggested might not be fully ready for 2027, could eliminate the need for a notch or punch-hole cutout.
The display itself is expected to use Samsung’s Color Filter on Encapsulation (COE) technology, which reduces thickness and improves brightness. A crater-shaped light diffusion layer
is also rumored to ensure uniform lighting across the curved edges. Macrumors cited a 1.1mm bezel, narrower than the 1.44mm on the iPhone 17 Pro, though this detail was not confirmed by other sources.
Naming, Size Options, and New Hardware
Two size options are rumored: a 6.3-inch model akin to the iPhone 18 Pro and a 6.9-inch variant that could be marketed as a 7-inch device. GSMArena noted that the larger model would retain the same aspect ratio as its predecessor, ensuring similar ergonomics. The device is also expected to include solid-state haptic buttons, a return to a design concept first explored in “Project Bongo,” and an A21 chip built on a 2nm process.
Apple is reportedly considering mobile HBM (high-bandwidth memory) for the 20th-anniversary models, which would use vertical stacking to boost data transfer speeds. The company is also developing a custom image sensor using LOFIC technology, which could offer up to 20 stops of dynamic range, according to Macrumors.
Battery and Connectivity Upgrades
GSMArena reported that the 20th-anniversary iPhone may feature a 6,000mAh battery, significantly larger than current models, along with reverse wireless charging. While no official confirmation exists, the leak highlights Apple’s focus on extending battery life and adding new functionalities. The device is also expected to include improved Ceramic Shield protection on the sides, though this detail was not mentioned in other sources.
The 20th-anniversary iPhone’s release in 2027 will mark a pivotal moment for Apple’s design philosophy. If the quad-curved glass and under-display Face ID rumors hold, the device could set new standards for smartphone aesthetics and functionality. However, uncertainties remain, including the final naming, the readiness of under-display Face ID, and whether the 7-inch model will materialize.
For now, the story is one of anticipation and cautious optimism. Apple’s ability to execute on these ambitious design goals will determine whether the 20th-anniversary iPhone becomes a landmark product or another incremental update.
