Could the iPhone 20 truly be a revolution? With rumors pointing to a display that curves on all four edges, no visible borders, and no cutouts, the upcoming model may well become one of the most iconic releases in Apple’s two-decade smartphone legacy.

The year 2027 is widely expected to mark a special milestone in Apple’s history, commemorating 20 years since the launch of the first iPhone in 2007.

According to research firm Omdia, Apple may skip the “iPhone 19” naming altogether and leap straight to “iPhone 20” to emphasize the significance of the anniversary. But the name is only the beginning. The real excitement lies in the rumored design and technological breakthroughs that could set the iPhone 20 apart from every generation before it.

Toward a truly bezel-less iPhone

Reports suggest the iPhone 20, expected in Q3 2027, will deliver a genuine “all-screen” experience - meaning no visible cutouts, notches, or holes on the front. That includes a completely hidden selfie camera, Face ID’s TrueDepth system, and other sensors, all placed beneath the OLED panel.

If realized, this would be the first time Apple achieves a fully bezel-less iPhone, surpassing even the slim bezels or punch-hole designs currently found across the smartphone market.

Adding to the innovation, the iPhone 20 is rumored to adopt a “four-edge curved design,” in which all corners and edges curve seamlessly.

This goes beyond the two-side curvature seen in earlier models, requiring more sophisticated engineering. The OLED panel must be intricately bent at the bezel areas, involving a complete rethinking of the display manufacturing process.

One key challenge is the TFE (Thin-Film Encapsulation) layer - designed to protect OLED components from moisture. For the desired curvature to be possible, this protective layer must be significantly thinned, which may compromise durability and increase the risk of production errors.

These technical demands are why Apple first requested that Samsung and LG begin developing fully immersive display prototypes as early as 2023. However, the process has proven exceptionally complex.

Testing technology in earlier iPhones

Before introducing these features in iPhone 20, Apple is expected to test several key components on earlier models.

The upcoming iPhone 18 series and the rumored iPhone Fold may feature under-display Face ID as a precursor to fully hidden front components. During initial stages, Apple could opt for a small punch-hole front camera as a transitional solution, before moving to a truly clean front surface.

LG and Samsung make major investments to meet Apple’s vision

To meet Apple’s ambitious requirements, LG Display is reportedly considering an investment of 400 billion won - roughly 300 million USD - to overhaul its OLED production lines.

This funding would support not only equipment upgrades but a complete restructuring of its processes, from materials and curvature technology to quality control. Some reports even suggest LG may dedicate 10 entire production lines specifically for Apple’s futuristic screens.

While Samsung has yet to confirm any specific strategy for iPhone 20, the Korean giant is expected to join the race with major investments of its own. Samsung has long been Apple’s primary OLED panel supplier, and missing out on the landmark iPhone 20 generation would be a costly omission.

To remain competitive, Samsung may be forced to build or upgrade dedicated facilities capable of producing these next-gen displays at scale.

iPhone 20: The future in your hand - or just a symbolic leap?

If everything goes according to plan, the iPhone 20 will not just be a symbolic anniversary release. It will represent Apple’s bold vision for the next decade of smartphones.

A device with four-edge curvature, a truly borderless display, and fully hidden sensors could redefine what users expect from flagship phones.

But with that vision comes immense investment, production risk, and the delicate balancing act between visual appeal, durability, and usability - factors that will ultimately determine whether the iPhone 20 becomes a revolution, or simply a beautifully crafted tribute in Apple’s history.

Hai Phong