Apple could be preparing a distinctive design for the iPhone marking the companys 20th anniversary of the iconic smartphone. While the company has not officially confirmed the device, reports and tipster claims suggest that Apple may be considering several significant changes to the phones design.
One of the most noticeable changes could be the display. Instead of relying only on improvements to display technology, Apple is reportedly considering a quad curved design in which the glass bends around all four edges of the screen. Such a construction could make the bezels appear extremely thin and give the handset a more seamless appearance.
The proposed design would allow the display glass to curve gently along the top, bottom and side edges. If Apple adopts the approach, the phone could look considerably different from current iPhone models, which generally use a flat front panel.
The anniversary model is also rumoured to use a more advanced OLED display. Reports have mentioned a dual layer OLED panel, although the exact technology and manufacturing process remain unclear. A Ceramic Shield layer could also be used to provide additional protection for the display.
Another major change could involve the physical controls. Tipster Instant Digital has previously claimed that Apple may replace conventional buttons with solid state controls on the anniversary iPhone.
Unlike traditional buttons that physically move when pressed, solid state controls can detect pressure and provide haptic feedback to simulate the feeling of a button being pressed. This approach could allow Apple to create a cleaner frame while reducing the number of moving mechanical components.
A low power chip could reportedly support these controls. According to the claim, the dedicated chip would allow the buttons to recognise pressure and provide feedback even when the main device is switched off or operating with minimal power.
The proposed button system would represent a significant change in how users interact with the phone. However, Apple has not confirmed whether such technology will actually appear on the anniversary model.
Battery capacity is another area mentioned in the reports. The upcoming iPhone could reportedly include a battery with a capacity of around 6000mAh, along with support for wireless reverse charging. If introduced, reverse charging could allow the phone to transfer power wirelessly to compatible accessories.
The reported battery capacity would be unusually large compared with several existing iPhone models. However, battery capacity alone does not determine actual battery life, as factors such as processor efficiency, display technology, software optimisation and network usage also play important roles.
The front camera could receive a major design change as well. Reports suggest that Apple may place the selfie camera underneath the display, removing the need for a conventional visible camera cutout.
An under display camera could help create a cleaner front panel and contribute to the almost borderless appearance reportedly planned for the anniversary device. The technology can be challenging because placing a camera beneath an active display can affect the amount of light reaching the image sensor.
The anniversary smartphone could eventually be marketed as the iPhone 20, although the final name has not been confirmed. Apple could also introduce a Pro Max version alongside the standard anniversary model.
One reported specification for the larger model is a 6.96 inch display with a resolution of 2912 by 1340 pixels. These details remain part of the leak cycle and should not be treated as final specifications until Apple officially announces the device.
The possible use of quad curved glass is particularly interesting because it would focus on the physical design rather than simply increasing specifications. Apple has previously made major changes to the appearance of its flagship smartphones when introducing new generations, but the anniversary model could provide an opportunity for a more noticeable redesign.
Display technologies such as COE and LTPO are also relevant to modern premium smartphones. COE can reduce the thickness associated with certain display layers, while LTPO technology allows displays to dynamically adjust refresh rates to improve power efficiency. The reports suggest that Apple may pursue different display improvements, but the exact combination remains uncertain.
The timing of the device is also significant because Apple is approaching the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone. The first iPhone was introduced in 2007, making the anniversary period an obvious opportunity for the company to showcase a major design change.
For now, most of the information surrounding the anniversary iPhone comes from reports and tipster claims rather than Apple itself. Specifications such as the 6000mAh battery, under display camera, solid state buttons and 6.96 inch display should therefore be treated as unconfirmed.
If Apple does adopt the reported quad curved display, the design could give the anniversary iPhone a noticeably different appearance from recent generations. The combination of curved glass, minimal bezels and potentially hidden front camera hardware could create a cleaner front design.
The final product could still differ substantially from the current reports. Apple is expected to reveal official information closer to the launch period, including the final name, display specifications, camera system, battery capacity and pricing.
Until then, the reported quad curved display remains one of the more interesting possibilities for Apples 20th anniversary iPhone, while the other proposed features show how the company could use the occasion to experiment with a new generation of smartphone design.
