The 20th Anniversary iPhone will come in two forms: one with a new display design that will be quite noticeable.
In a welcome update, Apple’s historic 20th Anniversary iPhone could come in two flavors rather than a single commemorative phone. The upcoming release is increasingly associated with one of the company’s most radical design changes since the first iPhone days, expected in 2027. The hub of the rumor mill is a new “micro-curved” display design paired with a virtually non-existent bezel.
Apple is reportedly working on two Anniversary iPhone models.
Apple is said to be working on two different 20th Anniversary iPhone variants for an eventual announcement in 2027, according to recent reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The difference between the two devices will likely follow the company’s Pro vs. Pro Max division, and the biggest difference will likely be in screen size.
According to early speculation, these anniversary phones will be very similar in size to the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Those projections could result in 6.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively.
This discovery marks an interesting turn in the story. Previous speculations suggested the anniversary device would be a standout prestige release that wouldn’t fit with Apple’s usual product cycle. Two variants suggest a situation in which the iPhone 19 Pro and the iPhone 19 Pro Max become the commemorative versions celebrating two decades of the iPhone brand.
It’s still unclear whether Apple will use an entirely new name. However, including the anniversary models in the existing flagship family would maintain the company’s annual release schedule while also marking the start of a new design era.
Micro-Curved OLED Technology May Change the iPhone’s Look.
It is said the anniversary devices will use a micro-curved OLED panel, a display method that would mark Apple’s first near-bezel-free iPhones. It would be a significant design change from what’s available today.
The rumored display construction reportedly features a magnesium-silver (MgAg) in the cathode layer. This material helps ease the lofty, curving plans, but industry sources say it could cause problems such as reduced brightness in some areas and picture distortion on the curved parts of the panel.
A Two-Phase Display Evolution Strategy.A Two-Phase Display Evolution Strategy from Apple.
To overcome these technical challenges, Apple is said to be working on a phased approach.
The first 2027 models will likely be based on the above-described MgAg structure. After a year, the company may be able to shift to indium zinc oxide (IZO) cathode technology. The material change is thought to help reduce the visual confusion caused by first-generation micro-curved OLED screens, providing better luminance retention and cleaner images.
The theory is that the plan would give Apple a chance to develop the new form factor without putting its development on hold, and at the same time, hone the technology as they went.
Anniversary iPhones May be Launched with Next iPhone Fold?
The report also suggests that Apple will introduce the 20th Anniversary iPhones along with the second-generation iPhone Fold. This suggests that the foldable line will be refreshed every year, not every few years.
All three are now projected to hit the market in Apple’s traditional launch window in September 2027. These are all informed speculations until official word comes out. Despite this, the signs around the Apple anniversary proposals imply an important move which will include new hardware language, superior display engineering, and a growing foldable strategy for the iPhone portfolio.
