Apple’s 20th anniversary iPhone could bring major design and battery upgrades

Apple doesn’t rush iPhones. Each model takes years of planning, and for the 2027 edition, it sounds like Apple’s already laying the groundwork for something big. That year marks the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. And if the latest reports are right, Apple wants it to be just as transformative as the iPhone X was for the 10-year milestone.

According to ET News, Apple is already in talks with its supply chain partners about significant tech upgrades for this special release. Think of it as a reset, similar to when Apple ditched the Home button, introduced Face ID, and went all-in on edge-to-edge OLED.

New display tech

One of the biggest changes on the table is a new OLED display driver chip based on FinFET’s 3D transistor architecture. Apple currently uses a planar 28nm chip, but switching to a 16nm FinFET design would bring major efficiency gains. Paired with brighter, more power-efficient OLED materials, this could translate to better battery life without compromising screen quality.

That may not be the only shift in display tech. There’s talk of a completely bezel-less design using four-sided curved glass and possibly an under-display camera. If Apple pulls this off, it could be the most seamless iPhone screen we’ve seen yet—no notches, no cutouts, just glass.

Battery upgrades

Battery upgrades could be on the table too. Apple is reportedly exploring a switch to 100% silicon anodes instead of graphite. If it happens, this could significantly boost energy density—meaning more power in the same space—and better long-term battery health. It’s not a new idea, but it’s never made it to production. Maybe 2027 will be the year.

Some of this is still speculative, but ET News is not alone—other sources have hinted at a curved, mostly-glass iPhone launching in 2027.

If there’s ever a time for Apple to go big, it’s this. The 20th anniversary iPhone almost feels inevitable. The only real question is how much Apple’s willing to push it.