Apple is expected to introduce its 20th anniversary iPhone in the fall of 2027, according to reports outlined by Macrumors. While the original iPhone was announced in January 2007 and went on sale on June 29, 2007—making the device’s technical 20th anniversary date June 29, 2027—Apple is expected to follow its traditional release schedule. Just as the iPhone X marked the 10th anniversary in 2017 despite a June launch, the upcoming anniversary models are anticipated to arrive during the fall timeframe, as detailed by Macrumors.
Apple Anticipated to Launch 20th Anniversary iPhone in Fall 2027
Design and Display Overhauls
The 2027 anniversary device is projected to feature the most significant redesign the iPhone has seen since the iPhone X, aiming to define the smartphone’s design direction for years to come. Rumors point to a curved all-glass and ceramic back panel design with an edge-to-edge, borderless effect. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has described the concept as a curved iPhone without cutouts in the display, according to Macrumors.
Rather than aggressive “waterfall” edges, reports state Apple is seeking an equal-depth quad-curved design with shallow micro-curves that curve down around all four edges. This is intended to make edge swipes feel more natural and reduce on-screen content distortion. Manufacturing quality has reportedly reached a stage comparable to the first-generation iPhone Air, with supply chain facilities finishing renovations ahead of production. Additionally, the device is expected to feature a bezel of approximately 1.1mm, compared to about 1.44mm on the iPhone 17 Pro, alongside an ultra-thin film encapsulation layer to protect the OLED panel from moisture and air.
Unlike the single 5.8-inch size of the original iPhone X, Apple is planning two anniversary models that roughly match the size options of the iPhone Pro and Pro Max lines at 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches. Furthermore, a report from Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, cited by Macworld, indicates that Apple is testing a 7-inch screen size, which could be marketed as the largest iPhone display ever due to its slim bezels and all-screen design.
Advanced Internal Components and Haptic Buttons
Under-display technology is rumored to conceal the front-facing camera and Face ID features beneath the screen, potentially reducing or removing visible cutouts. However, DSCC analyst Ross Young noted that certain display technology might not be fully ready by 2027, suggesting a smaller Dynamic Island style could remain, as noted by Macrumors.
Physical clickable buttons may also be replaced by solid-state buttons providing haptic feedback to improve water resistance. These buttons have reportedly passed tests for use with gloves, wet hands, extreme temperatures, and fitted cases. An ultra-low energy microprocessor is claimed to keep the solid-state controls functional even when the handset is powered off or the battery is depleted.
Performance-wise, both anniversary models are expected to feature a second-generation 2-nanometer “A21” chip shared with a second-generation foldable iPhone, alongside mobile High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) to increase signal transmission speeds. Apple is also reportedly introducing reverse wireless charging enabled by new battery technology, while development processes remain underway with potential feature adjustments before mass production begins, as reported by analyticsinsight.net.
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