Technology
iPhone 20 Could Be Apple’s Most Radical iPhone Yet… From an All-Glass Design to No Physical Buttons, Here’s What Rumours Reveal
While the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to debut this year with major upgrades, early leaks suggest Apple is already preparing a landmark redesign for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary.
The spotlight may soon be on the upcoming Apple iPhone 18 series, but industry chatter has already shifted to something much bigger. If recent reports are accurate, Apple is planning one of the most significant redesigns in iPhone history to celebrate the device’s 20th anniversary.
The original iPhone made its commercial debut in June 2007, transforming the smartphone industry forever. Two decades later, Apple is reportedly preparing a special anniversary model—widely referred to in leaks as the iPhone 20 or even the iPhone XX—that could redefine the company’s flagship smartphone once again.
Although none of these features have been officially confirmed, multiple industry reports suggest Apple is exploring several ambitious technologies that could make the anniversary iPhone its boldest device since the iPhone X.
Could Apple Skip the iPhone 19?
Apple has surprised consumers before with its naming strategy. In 2017, the company skipped the iPhone 9 and introduced the iPhone X to celebrate the smartphone’s 10th anniversary.
A similar move could happen again in 2027. Instead of launching an iPhone 19, speculation suggests Apple may jump directly to iPhone 20 or adopt the iPhone XX branding to commemorate two decades of the iconic device.
Like the iPhone X, the anniversary model is expected to arrive during Apple’s traditional September launch event rather than in June.
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1. A Futuristic All-Glass Design Could Become Reality
Perhaps the biggest rumour revolves around the phone’s completely redesigned appearance.
According to reports from Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, Apple is testing an almost bezel-free, all-glass iPhone featuring subtle curved edges on all four sides.
Unlike the dramatic waterfall displays seen on some Android smartphones, Apple’s approach reportedly focuses on gentle “micro-curves” that improve comfort while reducing accidental touches and display distortion.
If realised, the phone could deliver one of the cleanest and most immersive displays Apple has ever produced.
2. Face ID May Finally Hide Beneath the Display
Another long-awaited innovation could be the disappearance of the visible Face ID hardware.
Reports indicate Apple is working on placing its infrared facial recognition sensors beneath the display, allowing users to unlock the phone without requiring a large notch.
Display analyst Ross Young has previously suggested the technology still faces engineering challenges, meaning Apple could initially reduce the size of the Dynamic Island instead of removing it entirely.
Even so, the direction appears clear: a cleaner front display with fewer visible components.
3. Physical Buttons Could Be Replaced Completely
One of the more surprising rumours involves Apple’s reported internal initiative known as “Project Bongo.”
Instead of traditional mechanical buttons, the anniversary iPhone may use solid-state haptic controls for:
- Volume buttons
- Side button
- Action Button
- Camera Control
These pressure-sensitive controls would simulate physical clicks using advanced haptic feedback while offering improved durability.
Leaks also suggest they may continue functioning with gloves, wet hands, protective cases and even after the phone’s battery is completely discharged.
4. Apple May Build Its Own Camera Sensor
For years, Apple has relied on Sony image sensors for iPhone cameras.
That relationship could evolve with the anniversary model.
Industry rumours indicate Apple is developing its own stacked camera sensor featuring LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) technology.
This design could dramatically improve dynamic range, allowing the camera to capture far more detail in bright highlights and deep shadows.
For users, that may translate into noticeably better photographs during sunrise, sunset and challenging lighting conditions.
5. Silicon Battery Could Bring Bigger Capacity
Battery technology may also receive its biggest upgrade in years.
Instead of relying solely on conventional lithium-ion cells, Apple is reportedly experimenting with pure silicon battery technology.
Silicon batteries are known for offering:
- Higher energy density
- Better power efficiency
- Increased battery capacity
- Potentially longer battery life
Some early leaks even suggest the anniversary iPhone could feature a battery approaching 6,000mAh, although Apple has not confirmed any specifications.
What About the iPhone 18 Pro?
Before the anniversary model arrives, attention will first turn to the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, which is expected to debut with:
- A next-generation Apple chipset
- Camera improvements
- Display enhancements
- Possible debut of under-display Face ID technology
- Continued advancements in AI-powered features
Some reports also suggest Apple could unveil its first foldable iPhone during the broader iPhone 18 generation, although details remain limited.
Should You Believe These Leaks?
As with every early Apple rumour, caution is warranted.
The anniversary iPhone is still believed to be more than a year away, giving Apple ample time to alter or abandon features before the final product reaches consumers.
However, if even a portion of these reported innovations becomes reality, the 20th anniversary iPhone could represent the biggest leap forward since the launch of the iPhone X—combining a dramatically new design with next-generation hardware and smarter user experiences.
For now, Apple fans will have to wait for official announcements, but excitement surrounding the company’s future roadmap is already building well before the iPhone 18 reaches store shelves.
