As Apple's iconic smartphone approaches its 20th anniversary, the rumor mill is already churning with ambitious predictions for a landmark device. The focus has shifted from incremental updates to a potential design revolution, with reports suggesting the 2027 iPhone 20 could feature a truly seamless, bezel-less display that curves on all four sides. This leap would require significant advancements in display technology and manufacturing, with key suppliers like LG Display reportedly making substantial investments to meet the challenge.
Reported iPhone 20 Key Features & Timeline:
- Target Launch: Third Quarter of 2027 (20th Anniversary of iPhone).
- Key Design Rumors: "True Full-Screen" design with no visible front cutouts (cameras/sensors under-display) and a "Four-Sided Bending" display.
- Major Technical Hurdles: Bending panel circuitry at all four corners, thinning the Thin-Film Encapsulation (TFE) layer for flexibility, perfecting under-display camera and Face ID technology.
- Reported Supplier Activity: LG Display is rumored to be investing ~KRW 400 billion (USD 300 million) and setting up ~10 new production lines for the project. Samsung's involvement is reported as less clear, potentially due to focus on a separate foldable iPhone project.
The Vision for a Truly Bezel-Less iPhone
The central ambition for the iPhone 20, according to industry reports from sources like Korean media Dealsite, is an "all-screen" or "true full-screen" design. This concept goes beyond the notch or dynamic island of current models, aiming to eliminate all visible front-facing cutouts. The goal is to house critical components like the front-facing camera and the TrueDepth sensor array for Face ID completely beneath the display surface. Achieving this would create a seamless, uninterrupted visual canvas, a long-held dream in smartphone design that has proven technically difficult to realize at scale without compromising component functionality.
Introducing the "Four-Sided Bending Design"
To complement this bezel-less front, Apple is rumored to be exploring a radical new form factor described as a "four-sided bending design." Unlike current devices that may curve on two sides, this design would see the display panel curve at all four corners. This presents a significant engineering hurdle, as it requires bending not just the glass but also the underlying panel circuitry traditionally housed in the bezel area. Furthermore, the Thin-Film Encapsulation (TFE) layer, which protects the delicate OLED materials from moisture and oxygen, would need to be made thinner to accommodate the complex bends, demanding new material science and fabrication techniques.
The Manufacturing Challenge and Supplier Moves
Bringing such a design to mass production would necessitate a complete overhaul of existing display manufacturing lines. Reports indicate that LG Display is preparing for this challenge by considering a major investment, estimated at KRW 400 billion (approximately USD 300 million). The scale of the change is underscored by rumors that LG may need to establish around ten new dedicated production lines to fulfill Apple's anticipated orders. This aggressive move suggests LG is positioning itself as a primary, if not lead, supplier for this futuristic panel, a role that has historically been dominated by Samsung.
Samsung's Cautious Stance and the Foldable Factor
In contrast to LG's reportedly proactive stance, Samsung's approach to the iPhone 20 display is described by industry observers as more conservative. While the specifics of its investment plans are unclear, analysts speculate this caution may be strategic. Samsung is believed to be the exclusive panel supplier for Apple's rumored first foldable iPhone, often referred to as the "iPhone Fold." The company may be prioritizing resources and production capacity for this new, complex product category, which itself represents a massive technical and market undertaking for Apple.
The Path to the 20th Anniversary iPhone
The journey to this potential 2027 flagship may involve intermediate steps. Rumors suggest that models preceding the iPhone 20, such as the iPhone 18 family, might serve as testing grounds for key technologies. Under-display Face ID is one such feature that could debut earlier, allowing Apple to refine the technology before integrating it into the more complex bezel-less design. This phased approach would allow Apple to solve the immense technical challenges—from under-display camera quality to sensor reliability and uniform display performance—in a more manageable way, ensuring the 20th-anniversary iPhone is a polished product rather than a proof-of-concept.
While the prospect of a completely bezel-less iPhone with a four-sided curved display is undoubtedly exciting, it remains firmly in the realm of speculation and early supply chain reporting. The technical and manufacturing hurdles are substantial. However, the reported investments from suppliers like LG Display lend a degree of credibility to these ambitious plans. If Apple can successfully execute this vision, the iPhone 20 could mark one of the most significant design transformations in the product's history, offering a glimpse into the next era of smartphone form factors just in time for its landmark anniversary.