The 20th anniversary iPhone won't be a 'dream'.

A new leak is causing the tech community to "cool down" the overly high expectations for the 20th-anniversary iPhone.

Instead of a true design revolution as many previous rumors suggested, this device may only offer the illusion of breakthrough, rather than fundamentally changing how iPhones are made.

A concept iPhone celebrating its 20th anniversary with a full-screen glass display.

For months, analysts and Apple fans have been whispering that the company will recreate an “iPhone X moment” to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone.

The iPhone X was a historical turning point, as Apple removed the Home button, switched to Face ID, and introduced the full-screen design that the company has largely maintained to this day. Therefore, it's not surprising that many believe Apple will release another similarly iconic device in 2027.

The dream of a bezel-less iPhone and the technical reality.

Previous rumors suggested that Apple would unveil a completely bezel-less iPhone, with a screen that extends to all edges, creating the feeling of a seamless glass panel. This would require Apple to use a four-sided curved OLED display, an extremely complex and technically risky solution.

However, a new leak has changed that picture. According to a source from the @phonefuturist account on X, Apple doesn't actually intend to use a truly curved OLED screen. Instead, they will use a flat OLED panel placed under a four-sided curved glass layer, to "trick the eye" and create the illusion of a bezel-less iPhone.

This source claims Apple will use "flat OLED under four-sided curved glass to simulate a bezel-less design, avoiding the drawbacks of curved screens, controlling edge touch, and improving the under-display camera."

According to them, this design would be a way to "pay tribute to the iPhone X," as it would be both futuristic and not overly risky.

Accompanying the leak is a conversation with anonymous engineers, revealing why Apple is avoiding curved OLEDs. According to them, four-sided curved displays involve too many trade-offs.

An engineer explained that curved OLEDs actually create uneven pixel density at the edges of the screen, causing inconsistent display. Additionally, the touch area at the edges is difficult to control, easily creating "dead zones" and reducing the device's long-term durability.

For a company obsessed with quality and reliability like Apple, those shortcomings are unacceptable.

In addition, there's the issue of "accidental touches," which has plagued many Android manufacturers, especially Samsung with its curved-screen phones. When the palm or finger accidentally touches the curved edge, the system can misinterpret it as a gesture, causing frustration for the user. Apple, known for optimizing the user experience, doesn't want to repeat this mistake.

A safe solution that still has a future impact.

By curving the outer glass layer instead of bending the OLED panel itself, Apple can achieve the "invisible bezel illusion." When viewed from an angle, the glass extends to the sides of the device, making the screen appear borderless, while the components underneath remain on a safe and stable flat surface.

This approach allows Apple to maintain display quality, touch accuracy, and durability—elements the company considers core—while still delivering a fresh look befitting a commemorative edition.

Of course, all of this is still just speculation, especially with about 18 months to go before the 20th anniversary iPhone is released. However, the fact that former display analyst Ross Young believes this information will benefit Corning, Apple's glass manufacturer, has led many to believe that the leak is not unfounded.

While not yet a household name in the world of Apple leaks, @phonefuturist has accurately revealed numerous details about Samsung products in the past. Given Apple's use of Samsung displays, this connection makes the source even more noteworthy.

In fact, the strategy of "capturing the effect without accepting the downside" fits perfectly with Apple's philosophy. If they can create the illusion of a curved, bezel-less screen using only glass, why risk a potentially dangerous curved OLED technology?

An iPhone Fold concept – the first foldable iPhone model rumored to launch in the fall of 2026. Photo: AppleInsider

The 20th anniversary iPhone is rumored to only appear in 2027, meaning Apple still has plenty of time to change its plans. Currently, the company's focus is likely on the iPhone Fold – the first foldable iPhone model rumored to launch sooner.

Therefore, while the idea of ​​a "unibody glass" iPhone sounds very appealing, users should remain cautious. Apple may deliver an impressive design, but it will likely be a subtle, carefully calculated step forward, rather than a reckless leap as many rumors have suggested.

(According to AppleInsider, CNET)

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/iphone-ky-niem-20-nam-se-khong-nhu-giac-mo-2480950.html