Next year marks a significant milestone for Apple: the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. To celebrate, the company is planning a radical redesign for its flagship devices, according to multiple leaks and supply chain reports. The iPhone 19 Pro and iPhone 19 Pro Max are expected to debut a quad-curved display and under-display Face ID technology, ushering in a new era of iPhone aesthetics and functionality.

The 20th Anniversary Redesign

The iPhone has undergone several major design overhauls since its launch in 2007. The original iPhone introduced a touchscreen interface that revolutionized smartphones. In 2010, the iPhone 4 brought a glass-and-metal sandwich design that became iconic. The iPhone X in 2017 eliminated the home button and introduced the notch for Face ID. Now, for the 20th anniversary, Apple is aiming to eliminate the notch entirely while pushing the boundaries of display technology.

Analyst Jeff Pu first reported earlier this month that the iPhone 19 Pro and Pro Max would feature a quad-curved display—a screen that curves on all four edges for a seamless, bezel-free look. This design would be similar to some Android flagships but with Apple’s meticulous attention to durability and usability. The quad-curved display is expected to wrap around the device, providing an immersive viewing experience while maintaining resistance to drops and scratches.

Additionally, under-display Face ID is a long-rumored technology that would hide the TrueDepth camera system beneath the screen. Instead of a notch or a hole-punch cutout, the front-facing cameras and sensors would be invisible to the user, allowing for a full-screen display. Previous reports suggested that Apple might introduce this feature first on a special "iPhone 20" model, but new information indicates it will be standard on the Pro lineup in 2027.

Corroboration by Supply Chain Insiders

The claim by Jeff Pu has been corroborated by Digital Chat Station, a reputable supply chain leaker on Weibo. In a recent post, the leaker stated that the quad-curved screen design is currently undergoing "evaluation testing" in Apple’s mass production lines. This suggests that the design has moved beyond the conceptual stage and is being refined for manufacturing. The involvement of the supply chain adds significant weight to the rumor, as it implies that Apple has committed to the design for the 2027 models.

Apple has historically tested radical designs behind closed doors, with some being abandoned and others eventually making it to market. The fact that the quad-curved display is now in evaluation testing indicates a higher probability of release. However, it is worth noting that production challenges could still delay or alter the feature. For example, the under-display Face ID technology has faced reliability issues in the past, as the camera and sensors must function correctly through the screen layers.

Technical Challenges and Innovations

Integrating under-display Face ID requires advanced optical engineering. The infrared camera and dot projector that power Face ID must operate through the display pixels, which can reduce accuracy. Apple has been working on this for years, filing patents for transparent display regions and specialized pixel layouts. If successful, the iPhone 19 Pro would achieve a truly uninterrupted display, a feature that Android manufacturers have only partially realized with under-display cameras that often compromise image quality.

The quad-curved display also presents challenges for screen protectors and case manufacturing. A curved edge increases the risk of accidental touches and is more difficult to protect against drops. Apple is expected to use a durable ceramic shield glass and a reinforced frame to mitigate these issues. The company may also introduce new software algorithms to reject unintentional inputs on the curved portions of the screen.

Battery life could also be affected by the new display technology. Under-display components may require additional power, while the curved screen might reduce internal space for battery cells. However, Apple’s custom silicon, likely the A20 or A21 chip, will be manufactured on a more efficient process, potentially offsetting any power demands. The iPhone 19 Pro is expected to debut in September 2027 with iOS 20, which will include new features optimized for the redesigned hardware.

Broader iPhone Lineup in 2027

According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the 20th anniversary redesign is intended for the Pro models rather than a separate "iPhone 20" device. This aligns with Apple’s strategy of differentiating the Pro lineup with the latest innovations. The 2027 lineup is also expected to include a second-generation iPhone Ultra and a new iPhone Air model. The iPhone Ultra, which debuted in 2023 with a titanium frame, may receive internal upgrades while retaining its rugged design. The iPhone Air, rumored to be an ultra-thin model, could target users who prioritize portability over features.

The standard iPhone 19 and iPhone 19 Plus are likely to retain the previous design language, possibly with a smaller notch or a hole-punch cutout. This tiered approach allows Apple to offer a range of options at different price points while keeping the most advanced features exclusive to the Pro models.

Impact on the Industry

A bezel-free iPhone with under-display Face ID would set a new benchmark for smartphone design. Competitors like Samsung and Google have experimented with various notch and punch-hole configurations, but none have achieved a full-screen experience with the level of security and reliability that Apple demands. If Apple succeeds, it could pressure other manufacturers to accelerate their own under-display sensor technologies.

The quad-curved display also has implications for user interface design. iOS 20 may introduce new gestures and visual effects that leverage the curved edges, similar to how Apple utilized the curved glass on the iPhone X to create a seamless transition from the edge of the screen. Developers will need to adapt their apps to accommodate the new screen shape, but Apple’s strict guidelines and APIs will facilitate a smooth transition.

Supply chain sources have indicated that Apple has placed large orders for flexible OLED panels from Samsung and LG, which are capable of being shaped into quad-curved designs. The company is also working with Corning on a new generation of glass that is both bendable and scratch-resistant. These partnerships suggest that Apple is committed to bringing the redesign to mass production without compromising durability.

Pricing for the iPhone 19 Pro and Pro Max is expected to remain similar to current models, starting at $1,099 and $1,199 respectively. A slight increase to cover the cost of new display technology is possible, but Apple typically absorbs component costs through economies of scale. The 20th anniversary models are likely to be marketed with a special branding, such as "iPhone Pro 20th Edition," to emphasize their significance.

As with all rumors, there is a possibility that plans could change. Apple has a history of altering features based on testing outcomes or market conditions. For example, the under-display Touch ID that was rumored for multiple iPhone generations has yet to materialize. However, the validation from multiple sources and the advanced stage of production testing make this design change seem more concrete than many earlier leaks.

The anticipation for the iPhone 19 Pro is already building among Apple enthusiasts and industry analysts. The combination of a radical new design, enhanced biometrics, and the 20th anniversary narrative positions the 2027 lineup as one of the most significant updates in the iPhone’s history. While we wait for more details, including official renders and specifications, the current leaks provide a compelling vision of what Apple has in store for the next generation of its flagship smartphone.

Source: 9to5Mac News