iPhone 20 Pro: Ten Big Changes That Could Redefine Apple's Flagship

In 2017, Apple marked the iPhone's 10th anniversary with the introduction of the iPhone X, the most significant redesign of the product's history. As the iPhone turns 20, rumors indicate that Apple is preparing another major redesign for the commemorative iPhone 20 model, slated for September 2027. While leaks have been surfacing for months, the final design remains shrouded in mystery.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is fully immersed in the iPhone 20's development. The anticipated device appears to be a single, seamless piece of glass. The display glass is said to curve on all four sides, concealing the metal frame when in use. Apple is reportedly collaborating with Samsung on an equal-depth quad-curved display to achieve this effect.

The iPhone 20 is expected to use advanced OLED technology, which would make the display brighter and thinner. However, doubts exist regarding its inclusion in the 2027 model, as UBI Research anticipates Color Filter on Encapsulation technology not appearing in Apple's Pro iPhones until 2029.

Under-display Face ID and camera technology are also in the works, aiming to eliminate the final visible cutout on the front of the device. Apple has previously introduced an under-display camera on the iPhone Duo's inner screen; however, reviewers have criticized its image quality. The readiness of an improved version for the rumored fall 2027 launch remains uncertain.

Solid-state buttons are another area of innovation. Apple is testing haptic replacements for the Side, Volume, Action, and Camera Control buttons. These buttons could be integrated directly into the device's frame, providing a tactile experience without any physical movement upon pressing. The C2 modem, currently used in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo, is expected to be replaced by the C1 and C1X modems developed by Apple, which are expected to outperform Qualcomm in terms of speed and AI functionality.

Apple is also developing its own custom image sensor, using LOFIC technology. This sensor, which could potentially reach up to 20 stops of dynamic range, would replace the traditional Sony sensors in the iPhone. The 20th anniversary models are expected to feature a second-generation 2-nanometer A21 chip, succeeding the A20 Pro in the iPhone 18 Pro models.

A silicon anode battery is another area of exploration, capable of storing more lithium ions per gram and potentially delivering longer battery life without increasing the physical size of the battery. Additionally, Apple is reportedly evaluating vertically stacked DRAM technology to improve memory bandwidth and boost on-device AI performance.

The two anniversary models, expected to be slightly larger than the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, would likely feature 6.41-inch and 6.96-inch displays, with the latter marketed as a 7-inch panel. Despite the constant shifts in Apple's plans, the leaks paint a picture of the most dramatic iPhone redesign since 2017.