The iPhone will be 20 years old in 2027. Apple likes to use such anniversaries to announce major changes. The iPhone X was released in 2017, for its 10th anniversary – back then, it featured a borderless design and Face ID instead of a home button. Apple is planning an even more radical iPhone for the next big anniversary. Initial rumors and leaks indicate how the iPhone could change by then. Here you can find all the known details about the possible iPhone 2027.
Apple has made many design advances over the years. Some were small, others more noticeable. The company apparently has bigger plans than usual for 2027. A completely new design is on the horizon, along with new battery and storage technologies. The name of the device hasn't been finalized yet, but the direction is clear: Apple wants to break away from the norm and present something special for its anniversary.
An iPhone made almost entirely of glass
According to several sources, Apple is working on an iPhone made almost entirely of glass. The display will extend across all four edges. No notch, no visible cameras, and no visible bezel. The goal is a true edge-to-edge display. To achieve this, new solutions are needed: The camera and Face ID must work directly under the display, without a visible cutout. This is technically challenging. Under-display cameras already exist, but not yet at the quality Apple needs for photos and Face ID. Nevertheless, this is the direction it plans to take. This iPhone could first appear as a high-end version within the iPhone 19 series before becoming standard.
Stability remains a problem
A device made almost entirely of glass is vulnerable to damage. Current iPhones use titanium or aluminum to make the devices more stable. This isn't possible with an all-glass design. Therefore, Apple must either develop a significantly more robust glass or find other solutions to improve durability. Whether this will be market-ready by 2027 is currently unknown.
Battery: new technology with silicon anodes
Apple is testing a new battery technology that uses silicon anodes instead of graphite. These can store more lithium ions, significantly increasing capacity. This means you get more battery life without increasing the battery size. This is a real advantage, especially for high-performance devices with large displays. This technology is still in development, but it could be ready for production by 2027. The goal is to improve energy efficiency without compromising on design.
Storage: faster, more efficient, more space-saving
Innovations are also planned for RAM. Apple is said to be working on Mobile High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) for smartphones. This is a particularly powerful DRAM in which the memory chips are stacked vertically. The chips are connected via tiny vertical lines, enabling fast data transfer with low power consumption. For you, this means more performance, less energy consumption, and all in a smaller package. This would be a particular advantage for AI applications or graphics-intensive tasks. It is still unclear whether it will actually be HBM – but the direction is clearly pointing towards a more powerful RAM design.
What will the iPhone be called?
The anniversary model would actually be part of the iPhone 19 series. But Apple has already shown with the iPhone X that it can explore new naming approaches for special occasions. A name like iPhone 20 – fitting for the 20th anniversary – or a completely new brand name like iPhone Ultra is conceivable. It's also possible that Apple will position the new model not as a successor, but as a complement to the Pro series. There are also rumors of a foldable iPhone for 2026. Whether two major innovations one after the other makes sense is unclear. It's also possible that only one of the two devices will actually be released.
When will the new iPhone be released?
The fall iPhone cycle is likely to remain the same. This means a release in fall 2027. Whether this will be a single model or a completely new line is not yet clear. All that is certain is that Apple is working on several concepts, and the anniversary year is a good opportunity for a new flagship model.
The iPhone 2027 as a technology carrier
The iPhone's 20th anniversary is set to be a milestone. According to current reports, Apple is working on a device with a completely new design, better battery technology, more modern storage, and no visible components on the front. Whether all of this will be ready for production by 2027 remains to be seen—but the direction is set. If Apple implements its plans, the 2027 iPhone will be more than just a new model. It could usher in a new era for smartphones. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / BB DESIGN STOCK)
- iPhone 17 Air – the iPhone that isn’t meant for everyone
- iPhone 17e: All information about price, release and features
- Apple boosts smart glasses with AI power
- This is what Apple is planning for the iPhone: Six models per year
- Will we still need the iPhone in 10 years? Apple doubts
