Apple is reportedly planning a special iphone model to mark the 20th anniversary of the original iphone, and leaks suggest it could bring one of the biggest design changes in years — a near‑seamless, all‑screen front display with no visible cutouts.

Set for release around 2027, this milestone device could represent a major evolution in smartphone design and technology for Apple.

A Cutout‑Free Display on the Horizon

One of the standout rumours is that this anniversary model may feature a fully uninterrupted front screen — meaning no notch, Dynamic Island, or visible holes for cameras or sensors. Instead, apple would use under‑display technology to hide components beneath the panel, creating a sleek, edge‑to‑edge experience that maximises screen real estate.

This could be a major design leap beyond current models, which still use either a notch or a Dynamic Island for front cameras and Face ID.

Why It Matters for Apple’s Design Legacy

Apple has previously used anniversary editions to push the envelope. For example, the iPhone X — released for the 10th anniversary — introduced an OLED display without a home button, reshaping how users interact with iPhones.

A seamless all‑screen launch for the 20th anniversary would continue that tradition by delivering an immersive display with a higher screen‑to‑body ratio and simpler aesthetics. It could even data-align with Apple’s Liquid Glass visual design philosophy introduced in iOS 26, which emphasises cohesion and fluid visuals across devices.

Under‑Display Technology: Still Evolving

The challenge with an all‑screen front is embedding critical sensors like the selfie camera and Face ID modules beneath the display. apple has reportedly been working on under‑display camera and Face ID systems, but timelines and feasibility remain a moving target.

Some industry analysts believe apple may take a phased approach — first shrinking current cutouts on upcoming devices and using those learnings in future models — before fully eliminating them on the anniversary edition.

Not All Reports Agree

It’s worth noting that not all rumours point to a complete all‑screen design. Some analysis suggests apple might still retain a smaller cutout or Dynamic Island even on future devices, with a truly uninterrupted display potentially arriving later.

That discrepancy highlights the uncertainty inherent in pre‑release leaks — until apple officially announces the device, specifics remain speculative.

What to Expect Next

• Development and testing: apple is reportedly refining under‑display technologies that could make the seamless design possible.
• Design evolution: Upcoming models (like the iphone 18 series) may introduce interim improvements such as smaller cutouts or under‑display Face ID to pave the way.
• Potential 2027 launch: If apple sticks to its anniversary timing, the all‑screen device could debut alongside the iphone 20 series — early excitement suggests a major design milestone.

In summary: Apple’s 20th Anniversary iphone is shaping up to be one of the company’s most ambitious designs yet, with a push toward a truly seamless all‑screen experience — though some reports indicate this might still be aspirational. The final details, however, will only be confirmed once apple makes an official announcement.

 

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