There’s a report that Apple has a big iPhone redesign planned for 2027, when the original iPhone is 20 years old. The anniversary model could be one of the biggest visual makeovers the product has ever had, with more emphasis on borderless display, sleeker body and more advanced internal tech.
The 20th anniversary iPhone (October 2023) could be a special flagship, not a normal upgrade. Apple has a history of using major milestones as an opportunity for big design changes, and the 2027 model could continue that trend with new materials, display tech and camera placement.
All display design rumoured
The biggest reported change is a more complete all-screen look.
Apple could also look to mask or remove visible camera cutouts by placing Face ID components underneath the display. The main challenges for hidden front cameras under the display would be image quality and sensor accuracy.
If the design comes to fruition, it might mean an iPhone with a cleaner front face and next to no bezels, with no Dynamic Island in sight in day-to-day use.
Curved Glass Could Be Making A Comeback
The iPhone anniversary model could have curved glass on the side of the device.
Older phones had very curved screens. Apple could have a more rounded body, flowing smoothly from the front, to the sides, to the back. ” It may also make the device look thinner and more futuristic.
But Apple would need to protect against accidental touches, damage to the screen and costly repairs.
New materials, Slim body
Apple is also reportedly slimming down and lighting up future iPhones.
That would make the frame stronger, but wouldn’t add any weight to the device.” Better combination of titanium and aluminium or new material. They could have repositioned the internal components to create room for a larger battery without sacrificing the slim body.
It would be a slimmer design and it would be eye-catching but Apple will have to weigh up aesthetics against durability, battery life and heat management.
Major changes to the camera design could be on the horizon.
Big redesign of the rear camera area on anniversary model possible.
Camera bump can be avoided. You can move the lenses around or go with a wider horizontal arrangement. Upgrades to the sensor in the future might allow for better zoom, low-light photo and video work without increasing the thickness of the camera module.
Exactly what it will look like depends on how much space is needed for the sophisticated lenses and image stabilisation equipment.
New display tech might make things more efficient
The iPhone may have a more efficient OLED display by 2027 — one that’s brighter, draws less power and has thinner internal layers.
Better display tech would allow Apple to make the battery last longer and the phone thinner. More models will likely support higher refresh rates, but premium features will probably be limited to the most expensive trims.
Apple can improve outdoor visibility and reduce reflections as well.
Apple Intelligence is a big deal
AI is expected to have a big role for future iPhones.
The anniversary model could have a more powerful processor and more memory to run Apple Intelligence features local to the device. Such tools could be used to improve Siri, writing, photo editing, notifications, translation and app automation.
Not all regions, languages and clouds have all features. Availability varies by region.
Sources
- Apple Newsroom – Information and product launch news.
- Apple Investor Relations – Updates on company and product strategy.
- Bloomberg – Reporting on Apple’s Future Hardware.
- The Information – Apple’s product development and supply chain decisions
- MacRumors – iPhone rumours, display leaks, launch rumours
- 9to5Mac – Apple News, Rumours & Apps












