As 2027 approaches, rumors about Apple's next major iPhone redesign are intensifying. Following the iPhone X leap for the 10th anniversary, the Cupertino company is preparing a special model for the iPhone's 20th birthday. According to the latest leaks, the iPhone XX (or iPhone 20) will be the biggest overhaul since 2017 and could launch in fall 2027, bringing a radically new design and several technological innovations. Meanwhile, Apple has already raised prices on some services in Japan, as covered in our related article about Apple's price hikes.
Curved display and bezel-less design
The focus of the new iPhone will be the screen. Apple aims for a panel that curves on all four sides, nearly bezel-less, with a glass back that echoes the single slab of glass long envisioned by former design chief Jony Ive. The frame should be a thin polished band, likely made of a material different from the aluminum used on current models. However, curved side displays can cause accidental touches, an issue seen on earlier Android handsets with waterfall edges. Apple is working on solutions to make the device work with cases, but the extent of the curvature remains uncertain.
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Solid-state buttons and custom sensors
Another novelty could be the return of solid-state buttons, a project internally called "Project Bongo" that was shelved years ago. Benefits include a cleaner frame with no moving parts, reduced mechanical failure rates, and more internal space for a larger battery or additional haptic engine. Apple is also developing a proprietary image sensor to replace current Sony sensors, following its strategy to bring chip, modem, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth components in-house.
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Larger battery and reverse wireless charging
Rumors mention a 6000 mAh battery, a significant jump, though the source is unconfirmed. Reverse wireless charging could debut on the iPhone XX, allowing it to top up accessories like AirPods or Apple Watch. The hardware already exists — iPhones can charge a MagSafe battery pack — but Apple has never enabled it for other devices, unlike Samsung which has offered it for years. Its actual implementation will depend on battery capacity and the efficiency gains from the second-generation 2-nanometer A21 chip.
Under-display camera and smaller Dynamic Island
Apple wants to eliminate all cutouts on the front, but under-display technology is not yet mature. Expect a gradually shrinking Dynamic Island, with Face ID components moved beneath the panel and the under-display front camera arriving last due to still-compromised image quality. The rear camera bump likely remains, needed for the folded optics of the telephoto lens.
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For a look at competing innovations, check our coverage of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 unveiled in London, highlighting how rivals are pushing foldable designs. Also refer to Wikipedia's history of the iPhone X to understand the impact of the previous anniversary model.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/17/the-macrumors-show-iphone-xx
