That’s not the case every year, however, as we saw with the iPhone X. The overhauled phone instantly stood out, making the same-generation iPhone 8 and previous models look ancient in comparison. And we think something similar is going to happen in 2027.
Despite a quickly debunked rumor that Apple will be canceling the project, Apple is reportedly set to introduce dramatic changes for the 20th anniversary that will kick-start the iPhone’s next era. If you’ve been planning to buy an iPhone 18 Pro this fall, these seven reasons will make you want to wait for 2027’s special model.
Bye-bye, bezels
Former Apple designer Jony Ive famously envisioned the iPhone’s ultimate form as a single glass slab. The 20th-anniversary iPhone could mark a major milestone by taking that concept to the next level and adopting a curved display for the first time.
According to rumors, the display’s four edges will all curve, virtually eliminating any visible bezels. The Liquid Glass design on iOS will likely be optimized to blend software elements with the hardware, resulting in realism and visual harmony. The phone won’t actually be a mere glass slab, of course, but it will look like one to those interacting with the screen.
Invisible buttons
Reports about the iPhone dropping its mechanical side buttons in favor of haptic ones have been circulating for years. These rumors could finally materialize with the 20th-anniversary iPhone thanks to the curved display.
Apple could incorporate solid-state buttons into the glass edges and upgrade its Taptic Engine to provide sensory feedback when clicked—similar to the iPhone 7’s Home button. This will further contribute to the iPhone’s futuristic feel and eliminate lint-collecting gaps.
