The iPhone will celebrate its 20th birthday in 2027. In two decades, Apple has transformed smartphone design numerous times – from physical buttons to the edge-to-edge display of the iPhone X to camera systems that now replace entire professional setups. But what's now being reported out of Korea could mark the biggest leap yet: an iPhone with no visible bezel, with the display curving around all four sides of the device.
According to a report from ETNews , Apple is planning a completely new design for its 20th anniversary iPhone. The display will curve around the edges not only on the left and right, but also on the top and bottom. This would make it the first iPhone with a completely bezel-less display—and one of the most radical designs in the history of the iPhone line.
A display that curves around all sides
The reported so-called "four-edge bending" technology goes further than the curved displays found on some Android devices today. While current smartphones mostly only curve at the sides, the iPhone of 2027 would offer a display that also extends across the top and bottom edges. This would allow content to flow seamlessly across the entire device—a nearly limitless visual experience.
No more cutouts in the glass
Bloomberg further reports that Apple is planning an iPhone model that will be "mostly made of glass and no longer have cutouts in the display." The Information also speaks of at least one new model with a true edge-to-edge display. According to previous reports, this device will be part of the Pro product line. Apple clearly wants to make a statement with this design – similar to the iPhone X in 2017, when the Home button was removed for the first time and a new swipe navigation system was introduced.
New display technology for greater energy efficiency
Another detail concerns the display driver. A specially developed OLED display driver IC based on the 16 nm FinFET process technology is planned for the anniversary iPhone. This will replace the currently used 28 nm planar process. The advantage: greater energy efficiency, which is becoming increasingly important for more powerful yet thinner smartphones.
New battery technology under discussion
Apple also appears to want to go a step further with the battery. The report mentions so-called silicon batteries, which could replace the graphite cells currently used. These batteries have a higher energy density – meaning they store more energy in the same space and could enable longer battery life.
Discussions with display suppliers
According to the report, Apple is already in talks with Samsung Display and LG Display to implement its display plans. Both companies are among the leading manufacturers of OLED panels and already supply displays for existing iPhone models.
Technical challenges in implementation
A fully curved display brings with it several problems. A big question is where to place the front camera, speakers, and sensors. Apple has already shown initial approaches with the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, which plan to integrate Face ID under the display. Only the camera would then require a small opening—at least for now. In the long term, this could also disappear. According to a report from April 2024, LG Innotek is working on under-display cameras that leave no visible hole when not in use. This is made possible by a freeform optic with multiple lenses that compensates for light loss and minimizes image distortion.
New challenges for stability and operation
The design also presents structural challenges. A display that extends across all four edges is more vulnerable to drops. Apple would need to use particularly robust materials or reinforce the casing internally. There's also the question of user guidance. Without edges to hold the iPhone, Apple needs to develop reliable algorithms for palm recognition. iOS's gesture controls would also need to be adapted to the new situation to prevent incorrect inputs.
An iPhone for history: What could be possible in 2027
If the reports are confirmed, we can expect an iPhone in 2027 that sets new standards both visually and technically. A device without a bezel, with a display that curves around each side, could represent one of the biggest design updates since the iPhone X. Apple is apparently working on solutions for the camera, energy efficiency, new battery technology, and structural implementation. There are still two years until market launch – time in which Apple has to prove that vision and everyday usability can be combined. A bezel-less iPhone would be an impressive way to celebrate 20 years of smartphone history. And if Apple succeeds in bringing these ideas to production, the anniversary model will be a milestone not only technically but also symbolically. (Image: Shutterstock / Yana Perelotova)
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