Apple is reportedly planning a massive hardware overhaul for its 20th-anniversary falgship, the iPhone 20, which is expected to debut in September 2027. To mark this milestone, the tech giant may bypass the iPhone 19 model entirely in favor of a device defined by a seamless, curved glass aesthetic.
The strategic skip from iPhone 18 to the iPhone 20
Apple is reportedly preparing a major hardware reset for its 20th-anniversary flagship, the iPhone 20, slated for a September 2027 launch. According to industry insiders, the company may skip the iPhone 19 model entirely to ensure the milestone device feels like a significant generational leap rather than a standard update.
This potential skip aligns with the release patterns seen with the iPhone 18 Pro in 2026. By focusing resources on a single, high-impact "20" model, Apple can lean into the historical significance of the iPhone's two-decade journey, potentially re-energizing its mobile brand through a concentrated burst of innovation.
Waterfall displays and the move to solid-state buttons
The iPhone 20 is rumored to feature a nearly bezel-less, fully curved glass body that creates a "waterfall" display effect. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has suggested that this design might eliminate the traditional notch or Dynamic Island, opting instead for a smooth, continuous surface that wraps around the edges of the device.
In addition to the visual overhaul, Apple is expected to introduce a "solid-state" button system for power, volume, and camera functions. this system would replace mechanical clicks with haptic-feedback-based controls, continuing the company's long-term trend of reducing tactile hardware to achieve a more seamless, sculptural appearance.
Dual 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch models with under-display tech
Hardware specifications for the 2027 flagship may include two distinct size variants: a 6.3-inch model and a larger 6.9-inch model. These sizes would align with the current Pro lineup, offering consumers a choice between a more compact flagship and a large-format device.
As reported by the Japanese site Ice Universe and the Korean outlet ETNews, these models may also incorporate an under-display FaceTime camera, a technology previously seen in the iPhone Duo. Furthermore, the device is expected to utilize variable aperture technology to push the boundaries of mobile photography, building on the foundations laid by the iPhone 18 Pro.
Manufacturing hurdles and the 'Upgrade' leasing question
While the design vision is ambitious, significant manufacturing challenges could impact the final product. Both ETNews and Ice Universe have noted that achieving a true quad-curved screen is technically difficult,meaning the final device might only mimic the visual effect of a fully curved perimeter, similar to the design of the Apple Watch.
Several critical questions remain regarding the economic impact of these design changes. It is still unverified whether the complexity of curved glass will lead to a significant price increase for the iPhone 20. Additionally, while tech circles have discussed a potential "Upgrade" leasing program to help customers manage the cost of new hardware, it remains unknown how Apple will integrate this program into its broader ecosystem to sustain long-term hardware adoption .
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