Apple is expected to launch a 20th anniversary iPhone in the fall of 2027 with its biggest design overhaul since the iPhone X, according to MacRumors, citing multiple reports and leakers.
The device is likely to debut alongside a second-generation foldable iPhone in fall 2027, MacRumors reported. The publication said the anniversary model is expected to reset the design language that has defined the iPhone since 2017.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman described the device as a mostly glass, curved iPhone without display cutouts, MacRumors said. Gurman also said the phone would return to a glass back and use curved glass wrapping around all four edges.
MacRumors said facilities in Apple’s supply chain have reportedly completed renovations ahead of production. It said the device’s build quality is described as comparable to the first-generation iPhone Air.
Apple is said to be pursuing a shallow quad-curved panel with “micro-curves” rather than the deeper waterfall-style edges used on some Samsung phones, according to MacRumors. The publication said the design is intended to make edge swipes feel more natural, reduce distortion and soften the in-hand feel.
Leaker Ice Universe said the display may rely on optical refraction, light-guiding structures and visual effects to reduce the visibility of the frame, MacRumors reported. One separate report cited by MacRumors said Apple could market the panel as a “Liquid Glass Display.”
MacRumors said one unverified mock-up from an account with no proven track record showed bezels of about 1.1 mm, compared with roughly 1.44 mm on the iPhone 17 Pro.
The front design remains uncertain. MacRumors reported that Apple wants to place both Face ID and the selfie camera under the display to eliminate visible cutouts, with one report describing a “spliced micro-transparent glass” window for infrared sensors.
DSCC analyst Ross Young has said the technology is unlikely to be fully ready by 2027, according to MacRumors. The publication said Apple is still testing an under-screen camera, but a small hole-punch or a reduced Dynamic Island could remain.
Apple is reportedly planning two anniversary models at about 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, matching the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, MacRumors said. The larger model could be slightly bigger and marketed as a 7-inch device because of slimmer bezels.
The frame is expected to be a thin polished band, though the material is unclear. Leaker Fixed Focus Digital said aluminum remains the only practical option because of heat from on-device AI processing, pushing back on claims of a return to titanium or a switch to Liquid Metal, according to MacRumors.
Apple is also said to be revisiting solid-state haptic buttons through its shelved “Project Bongo,” replacing the Side button, volume buttons, Action button and Camera Control with haptic controls built into the frame, MacRumors reported.
MacRumors said the haptic buttons have reportedly passed tests for use with gloves, wet hands, extreme temperatures and with a case attached. An ultra-low-energy microprocessor is said to keep them working even when the phone is powered off or the battery is depleted.
