It is reported that Apple is preparing to release a device next year that could be a significant step for the company. According to various reports, the model expected in 2027 might be named iPhone 20 directly, rather than iPhone 19. This is because in 2027, the iPhone will celebrate its twentieth anniversary, and Apple may use this occasion for major design changes.
If this information proves true, Apple might skip a number, moving straight to the next one. The company has done this before: in 2017, after the iPhone 8, the iPhone X was released instead of an iPhone 9, coinciding with the smartphones celebrating their 10th anniversary. A similar event could happen in 2027. It was the iPhone X that marked the beginning of an era when almost all smartphones started featuring notches, and many manufacturers dropped the headphone jack.
Since the introduction of the iPhone X, Apple has largely maintained a fundamental design, although it has introduced numerous minor and major improvements. Nevertheless, the iPhone X is considered a revolutionary device.
Currently, Apple has not provided any official information regarding the iPhone 19 or iPhone 20 models, so the name cannot be considered final yet. However, numerous reports suggest that the special 2027 model will be named iPhone 20 or iPhone XX. The publication The Information reports that this phone is being developed for the iPhone's 20th anniversary. The report indicates that the device will feature a different glass design, meaning Apple aims to change the appearance of the entire body and screen, not just add a new processor or camera to celebrate the anniversary.
The most substantial changes may concern the display. According to reports, Apple is working on a screen that is curved on all sides and features a glass body. The screen edges might curve all the way to the edge of the phone, making the visible bezel virtually invisible. Apple's goal is to create a look where the screen occupies most of the front panel. Both the front and back parts might be covered in glass up to the edges of the body, with a thin metal strip possibly located in the center.
Some sources refer to this as a quad-curved display, but it is emphasized that this does not mean excessive bending. Reports suggest that Apple is working on a slightly curved screen to avoid image distortion during use and issues with edge touch sensitivity.
If Apple implements its plan, the iPhone 20 likely won't have the Dynamic Island as currently implemented. Apple has long been developing ways to place necessary camera and Face ID components under the screen. In this case, a separate cutout for the camera would not be needed. The report mentions that the 2027 model is planned to have the front camera placed under the display. However, the situation is not yet certain. Other reports point to technical difficulties Apple faces when implementing an under-display camera. If the company cannot solve this problem in time, it might resort to using a small Dynamic Island or a punch-hole camera.
Apple's main objective is to eliminate the camera cutout on the front of the device, but it remains unclear if this will be fully achieved by 2027.
Leaks also indicate that the iPhone 20 Pro and Pro Max models will feature larger screens. Some data suggests the Pro model might have a screen size of around 6.4 inches, and the Pro Max around 7 inches. An important point is that despite the increase in screen size, the overall size of the phone will not need to increase significantly, as the side areas will also be used to display content. This suggests that Apple's strategy is not only about increasing screen size but also about creating a body that provides maximum display area with minimal volume.
Creating such a new design will not be easy for Apple. Reports indicate that the company is collaborating with Samsung Display on developing new screen technology. All-around curved screens are associated with several challenges, such as edge glare, display durability, and image quality.