Converging rumors point to the iPhone XX — the 20th‑anniversary device expected in 2027 — as the most significant redesign of Apple’s handset since the iPhone X. The commercial name is still unclear (leaks refer to both “iPhone 20” and “iPhone XX”), but reported features sketch a clear roadmap: an almost bezel‑less display, new photographic approaches and substantial hardware advances.
A design that returns to the “glass slab”
Circulating descriptions depict a chassis with a front face that shows no visible bezels, driven by a curved glass surface that wraps down all four sides and a glass back — effectively revisiting the single‑slab aesthetic long discussed by former Apple designers. The perimeter is said to form a very thin, polished band, possibly made from a different material than the aluminum used on the current flat‑edge models.
The exact depth and radius of the screen curvature at the edges remain unclear. Previous “waterfall” displays exposed risks of accidental touches; reports say Apple is working to minimize that issue, including support for cases specifically designed for such a screen.
Display, sensors and Dynamic Island in flux
Apple reportedly wants a front with no cutouts, but availability of under‑panel technologies for 2027 is not guaranteed. Leaks mention a progressive narrowing of the Dynamic Island and the relocation of Face ID components beneath the display. An under‑display front camera is expected to arrive later, since image quality still suffers when a lens sits behind the display layer.
Solid‑state buttons and internal space
The plan to replace mechanical buttons with haptic, solid‑state controls — known internally as “Project Bongo” during development — may be revived. A button system without moving parts would create a cleaner perimeter, reduce mechanical failures that account for a significant share of repairs, and potentially free internal volume for a larger battery or additional haptic actuators.
Image sensors and the camera stack
Apple is reportedly developing a proprietary image sensor to replace the Sony sensors it currently sources. Even with an in‑house sensor, the optical architecture will likely remain constrained by the size requirements of folded telephoto modules; in other words, the rear hardware could see few visible changes in sensor count or telephoto capability.
Performance, battery and reverse wireless charging
The anniversary models are said to be powered by an A21 chip fabricated on a second‑generation 2 nm process, offering efficiency gains and a new modem. Rumors also mention a 6,000 mAh battery, although the source and reliability of that figure are unconfirmed. Support for reverse wireless charging — allowing accessories to be topped up via the phone’s coil — is also reported. While technically possible for some proprietary accessories already, enabling the feature at scale will depend on trade‑offs between battery capacity and the additional power draw.
Product positioning and timing
Sources indicate that the iPhone 18 Pro models due this year will deliver more incremental updates, while the full redesign would be reserved for the iPhone XX in fall 2027. Ahead of that launch, Apple is said to be preparing a spring lineup that would include an iPhone 18, an iPhone 18e and an iPhone Air 2. On naming, Apple has bypassed strict numbering before (skipping from iPhone 8 to iPhone X) and could again choose a non‑linear scheme.
An anniversary iPhone with rethought lines and technologies would signal Apple’s intent to mark two decades of the iPhone.
