The anticipated 20th anniversary iPhone might not feature the all-screen design many have speculated about. This revelation stems from a report by Tim Hardwick, which indicates that Apple has been rumored to unveil a groundbreaking redesign for the iPhone in 2027, particularly following Mark Gurman’s insights shared last May. He suggested that the tech giant is aiming for an innovative device entirely made of glass, completely devoid of any display cutouts. However, recent statements from esteemed display analyst Ross Young seem to challenge this vision.
In a post on social media platform X (previously known as Twitter), Young clarified some of his earlier predictions regarding Apple’s display technology. He pointed out that he still anticipates the smaller version of Dynamic Island—a feature expected to debut with the iPhone 18 Pro models—will remain in place even through 2027. This comment adds a new layer to the ongoing conversation about the iPhone's future design.
Further expanding on this topic during subsequent interactions, Young expressed his belief that the iPhone Pro models set for release in 2028 will likely incorporate a centered hole-punch cutout in the display, which would presumably nestle within the same Dynamic Island. This prediction aligns with a roadmap he revealed back in June 2025, suggesting that Apple may not achieve a fully notch-free, all-screen iPhone until 2030.
Should Young’s forecasts hold true, it may necessitate a reassessment of Gurman’s claims about the 20th-anniversary model. Alternatively, there is a possibility that Young's insights could be outdated. The timelines within Apple’s supply chain can be quite fluid, and the company may have advanced further in integrating Face ID and the front-facing camera beneath the screen than Young’s sources suggest.
Another intriguing possibility is that Apple might be working on a special edition 20th-anniversary iPhone that surpasses the standard Pro lineup. This approach would echo the strategy used during the launch of the original iPhone X alongside the iPhone 8 in 2017. Such a unique model could very well showcase the all-screen design Gurman has envisioned, while the regular Pro versions continue to utilize a more traditional Dynamic Island layout.
As we look ahead, Apple is expected to reveal the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max this September, followed by the much-anticipated 20th-anniversary iPhone, whatever its design may be, projected for release in fall 2027.
This situation raises compelling questions: How crucial is a truly all-screen design to the iPhone’s future success? And could Apple be sacrificing functionality for aesthetics? As these developments unfold, we invite you to share your thoughts—do you agree with the analysts’ predictions, or do you believe Apple has something revolutionary in store?
