iPhone 20 might come with a controversial display upgrade

The 20th anniversary iPhone could come with at least one major change many would hate.

A render of what could be the iPhone 20.
iPhone 20 may come with a curved display. | Image by fpt.
We’re yet to see the iPhone 18 Pro and the first foldable iPhone Ultra, but rumors about the 2027 top-tier iPhone are already ramping. That’s only natural considering it will be the 20th anniversary of Apple’s smartphone, and it is rumored to feature various upgrades, including one that could end up being controversial.

The iPhone 20 may have the largest display in Apple’s history


Apple is reportedly testing the biggest display it has ever had on an iPhone. According to a post (source in Chinese) from reputable Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, the company is running a prototype of a display that physically measures at 6.96 inches.

If this panel makes it to a mass production design, it would be marketed as the first 7-inch display on an iPhone. While unconfirmed, the panel is most likely part of Apple’s internal preparations for the 20th anniversary iPhone, which is expected in the fall of 2027.

The leaker also said that the prototype panel has the same aspect ratio as the current iPhone 17 Pro Max display. They claim that makes it comfortable to hold, even at such a large size.

What would make you choose a bigger smartphone?
27 Votes


Still coming in two sizes



One thing that appears to be almost certain about the iPhone 20 is that it will feature a dramatic new design and a display overhaul. Earlier rumors already suggested that Apple had started working on two sizes for the device, meaning this 7-inch model could have a smaller sibling.

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The company is also rumored to opt for an edge-to-edge display and use curved glass all over the device to achieve a completely bezel-free design. Unlike earlier devices with curved displays, this design is supposedly going to merge the glass with the chassis on all sides without distorting the images on the screen. This way, the user experience will be close to a flat display that comes with no bezels and without the image distortion experienced on earlier curved displays.

This year’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to come with the same dimensions as the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro phones. Over the last two years, Apple’s Pro devices have been offered with 6.3- and 6.9-inch displays and slimmer bezels than previous models.

As big as the iPhone 17 Pro Max is, it still has many fans, though they don’t seem to be there because of the display size. When asked what made them choose the largest iPhone, most users on Reddit said they chose it because of the larger battery. Of course, some users also cited eyesight concerns and just being used to the large phones.



Certainly an intriguing moment for the iPhone


Whatever Apple does, 2027 could be the most interesting moment for the iPhone since the iPhone X in 2017. Besides the display, the company is also rumored to use different materials for the anniversary iPhone, with two main options being rumored.

One is liquid metal, which would be a manufacturing challenge. Then there’s a chance we see the return of a titanium iPhone, but that would require Apple to somehow find a way to reduce the weight of the material.

Not the upgrade people want


I’m absolutely sure many people who use a Pro Max iPhone have it because of the big battery and would actually prefer a smaller display on their device. I know I’m one of those people, and I’d love to see Apple finally addressing this reality. 

Launching a bit thicker iPhone with a manageable display size and a massive battery would feel like Apple making a dream come true. Alas, we’re most likely getting another thin, borderless giant that barely lasts a day.
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