A recent Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman offered some preliminary insights into a forthcoming iPhone model, being referred to as the 20th anniversary iPhone. This device is expected to feature a fresh design, distinguishing itself from the iPhone 19 series, which will showcase only minor design updates. This approach mirrors Apple’s previous launch strategy with the iPhone X, commemorating a decade of iPhones. Following this initial announcement, further details have emerged from an additional source, providing a clearer picture of the upcoming device’s design.
A comprehensive report from the Korean outlet ET News reveals numerous specifications attributed to the device, citing industry supply chain sources. Apple is reportedly developing a display featuring curves on all four sides. While this concept resembles the quad-curved display panels currently found in various mid-range smartphones, Apple’s innovation aims for a more pronounced curvature. The design intends to create a nearly bezel-less look, where the edges of the display hide the bezels behind the aggressive curvatures, becoming less visible from the front.
This aligns with earlier reports highlighting that the upcoming phone will incorporate “extensive use of glass,” presenting a largely seamless glass façade devoid of apparent bezels. The source also mentioned that Apple plans to collaborate with Samsung and LG for the development of this advanced display.
Another exciting feature noted in the report is the implementation of an under-display camera (UDC). Although brands like Samsung and several Chinese manufacturers have already utilized this technology, it carries significant implications for Apple, which has historically relied on a pill-shaped cutout for the Face ID authentication system. This feature has become synonymous with the iPhone, marketed as Dynamic Island, first introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro and now present across most models, except for the newly released iPhone 16e. The under-display camera technology would enable the camera and Face ID sensors to be concealed beneath the screen, activating only when necessary by seamlessly integrating between pixels.
The report also highlighted the possibility of using a solid-state battery in this new iPhone model. Solid-state battery technology, which is still awaiting broader application in mainstream smartphones, utilizes a solid electrolyte instead of the liquid electrolyte commonly found in lithium-ion batteries. This approach contrasts with existing silicon carbon technologies aimed at enhancing battery capacity and facilitating faster, safer charging.
According to the report, employing pure silicon in the battery design could significantly boost energy density, allowing for longer-lasting battery life by accommodating a higher charge.
