Apple is expected to launch the much-anticipated iPhone Fold later this year, which will be a major milestone in the company’s iPhone evolution. Apple has been preparing for another milestone – the 20th anniversary iPhone or iPhone 20.
Apple launched the first iPhone in 2007. Then in 2017, the 10th anniversary iPhone – iPhone X was launched. iPhone Now, with the iPhone turning 20 in 2027, Apple is standing at another such crossroads, which is expected to bring another set of major changes to the iPhone product line.
Here’s what we know so far about the 20th Anniversary iPhone
Name
Apple launched the iPhone 16 series in 2024, the iPhone 17 series in 2025, and plans to launch the iPhone 18 series later this year. The next logical thing for Apple is to launch the iPhone 19 series in 2027. But 2027 will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, which means Apple may skip the iPhone 19 series nomenclature in favor of the iPhone 20 series or iPhone XX nomenclature.
If so, it wouldn’t be the first time the company has made such a move. In 2017, Apple launched the iPhone X alongside the iPhone 8 series, completely skipping the iPhone 9 series naming. It is expected to follow this trend and launch a 20th anniversary iPhone model next year.
design
iPhone 20 is expected to bring major design changes to the iPhone series. There have long been reports that Apple will launch a buttonless iPhone. We may see this in 2027. There are reports that Apple is developing solid-state buttons with tactile feedback to replace existing mechanical buttons. The buttons will use the difference between a light press and a hard press to trigger different actions, and could potentially replace existing volume buttons, action buttons and even camera control buttons. Beyond that, the iPhone 20 is expected to look like a slab of glass without cutouts.
exhibit
The display is another area where the iPhone 20 could bring big changes. Apple is reportedly developing a display design that curves all four edges of the iPhone to allow for an edge-to-edge or ultra-narrow bezel-less experience. The panel is expected to be called a “Liquid Glass Display,” in line with the company’s software strategy.
Apple is expected to use Samsung’s OLED display using color filter packaging technology, removing the polarizing film on the OLED panel and placing the color filter directly on the screen’s packaging layer to obtain a thinner display, reduce glare and increase brightness.
processor
The upcoming iPhone 18 series is expected to be equipped with a 2nm A20 chip. This means that the iPhone 20 will get a more efficient and powerful second-generation 2nm A21 chip.
Memory
Apple is expected to pair its A21 chip with upgraded RAM. The company is said to be considering using mobile high-bandwidth memory (HBM) to increase signal transmission speeds. It will also provide high data throughput while minimizing power consumption, thereby increasing overall efficiency.
Battery
The battery is another feature that could get a major upgrade in Apple’s 20th anniversary iPhone. The company reportedly plans to use pure silicon anode cells, which would extend battery life without increasing battery size. For reference, these batteries are already used in flagship phones like the OnePlus 15 and OPPO Find X9 Pro.
Availability date and price
Apple is expected to launch a 20th anniversary iPhone in the fall of 2027. However, expected pricing is still unknown.
