Apple is reportedly preparing one of the most radical iPhone redesigns in years, with the 20th anniversary edition iPhone launch in 2027. It is expected to debut with a "micro-curved", almost bezel-less display for the first time ever. However, it might reach its truest potential the year after.
Apple Could Roll out Advanced Bezel-Less OLED Tech in Two Phases Starting 2027
A new ETNews report out of South Korea reveals that Apple is planning to adopt a two-stage rollout process for the micro-curved OLED display, to be used inside the 20th Anniversary edition iPhone. As per the plan, the 2027 iPhone will incorporate the first generation of bezel-less OLED, while a more advanced version of the same will launch in 2028.
This is because the 2027 iPhone model is said to use a magnesium-silver (MgAg) alloy in the cathode layer, which is expected to cause image distortion and brightness loss at the areas where the OLED curves. However, in 2028, the Cupertino brand will reportedly transition to indium zinc oxide (IZO) cathode material, which is expected to address both the issues with the first-gen model.
As per the report, Apple is willing to take the risk with the 20th Anniversary iPhone as it intends for its display partners, Samsung Display and LG Display, to build the relevant facilities at scale. The current estimate for operation is 2028, which leaves Apple no choice but to adopt a two-phased development product life cycle.
Both companies are actively looking to branch into new facilities and investments to meet the set deadline. LG Display has already LG Display announced $790 million investment in OLED infrastructure, which industry experts believe is connected to the new OLED material production.
That said, it is still unclear if the 20th Anniversary iPhone will launch as a special edition smartphone or will be part of Apple's existing iPhone portfolio. However, one thing is certain. Apple has big plans for iPhones in 2027 and the 20th anniversary edition might just become the experimentation ground for the future direction of all iPhones.
