Apple is expected to launch its 20th anniversary iPhone in the fall of 2027, potentially skipping the name “iPhone 19” in favor of “iPhone 20” or “iPhone XX.” The upcoming device is rumored to introduce an all-glass curved display, under-display Face ID, and solid-state haptic buttons.
The 2027 Timeline and Naming Strategy
Apple’s first iPhone was announced in January 2007 and released that June, meaning the device’s 20th anniversary technically falls on June 29, 2027. Despite the exact date, Apple is expected to arrive in the fall of 2027 with its new high-end lineup, following the same late-year pattern established by the iPhone X in 2017 during the device’s 10th anniversary. Industry watchers suggest Apple could skip the name “iPhone 19” in the same way it skipped “iPhone 9” ahead of the iPhone X in 2017, with rumors so far variably referring to the device as the iPhone 20
and the iPhone XX.
While leaks are picking up steam ahead of a busy product cycle, the anniversary model represents what could be the most significant redesign since the iPhone X set the template for subsequent generations. Codenamed Glasswing
by Apple after a butterfly with see-through wings, the hardware overhaul targets major shifts in display manufacturing, internal processing, and exterior build quality.
All-Glass Quad-Curved Display and Chassis Redesign
Manufacturing facilities in Apple’s supply chain have reportedly finished renovations ahead of production, with quality levels comparing to the first-generation iPhone Air. The anniversary device is rumored to feature an all-glass construction with a borderless, quad-curved panel wrapping around the front and back.
Rather than adopting the aggressively curved waterfall edges seen on competing Samsung handsets, edges seen on some Samsung panels, Apple is said to be seeking an equal-depth quad-curved design with very shallow micro-curves. This design choice aims to make edge swipes feel more natural while minimizing content distortion. To bend display circuitry around every edge, the stack relies on an ultra-thin film encapsulation layer designed to protect the OLED panel from moisture and air. Leak reports place the bezel at roughly 1.1mm, down from the approximately 1.44mm bezel on the iPhone 17 Pro.
Display technology updates extend to a Samsung-manufactured panel utilizing Color Filter on Encapsulation. This method removes the polarizing film and places the color filter directly onto the encapsulation layer, reducing stack thickness and increasing light transmission to improve brightness while lowering power draw.
Upgraded Camera Sensors and Solid-State Haptic Controls
Camera specifications are slated for a massive departure from existing modular setups. While the iPhone 17 Pro utilizes 48MP lenses across its main, ultrawide, and telephoto options, the anniversary iPhone is rumored to make a leap to a 200MP sensor for its main camera, matching Samsung’s Ultra Galaxy S series. Apple is also developing its own stacked image sensor utilizing LOFIC technology to allow individual pixels to store varying amounts of light, targeting up to 20 stops of dynamic range.
Mechanical buttons may disappear entirely. Apple is reportedly reviving “Project Bongo” to integrate solid-state haptic equivalents into the frame for the Side button, volume buttons, Action button, and Camera Control. These components have reportedly passed stress tests covering glove use, wet hands, extreme temperatures, and fitted cases, while an ultra-low energy microprocessor keeps them operational even when the handset is powered off or completely drained of battery.
Advanced Internal Architecture and Power Systems
Under the hood, both anniversary models are expected to utilize a second-generation 2nm A21 chip alongside mobile High Bandwidth Memory, which stacks memory chips vertically via through-silicon vias to increase transmission speeds. Power capabilities are also expanding; reports indicate Apple plans to introduce reverse wireless charging supported by a new battery design.
Rival manufacturers have begun adopting silicon-carbon batteries to pack larger capacities into identical spaces, and Samsung integrated silicon-carbon technology into its Z Fold 8 series.
