As Apple approaches the 20th anniversary of its iconic iPhone in 2027, the tech giant is reportedly preparing a groundbreaking model that promises significant advancements in both display and battery technologies. This milestone device is expected to redefine user experience by introducing a truly edge-to-edge screen and enhanced battery performance.
Revolutionizing the Display
Apple’s vision for the 20th-anniversary iPhone includes a seamless, all-screen design that eliminates traditional bezels and camera cutouts. To achieve this, the company is exploring the integration of under-display camera technology, allowing the front-facing camera and Face ID sensors to reside beneath the screen. This innovation would fulfill the long-standing aspiration of a continuous, uninterrupted display, a concept championed by former design chief Jony Ive.
Reports suggest that Apple plans to implement this design in at least one 2027 iPhone model. Prior to this, transitional designs are expected, such as the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max featuring a reduced pinhole camera design positioned in the top-left corner. This step-by-step approach aligns with Apple’s history of debuting major design upgrades in high-end models before broader adoption.
Advancements in Display Technology
To support the new design, Apple is considering the use of an OLED driver display chip (DDI) based on FinFET’s 3D structure. Transitioning from the current 28-nanometer planar process to a 16-nanometer method is anticipated to reduce power consumption and enhance display efficiency. Collaborations with key suppliers like LG Display and Samsung Display are underway to discuss these technological changes.
Additionally, Apple is exploring four-sided bending display technologies and under-display cameras. If successfully commercialized, these innovations could lead to the complete elimination of bezels, offering a more immersive visual experience.
Enhancing Battery Performance
In tandem with display advancements, Apple is prioritizing battery life improvements. The company is reportedly working on high-density battery technology that increases energy capacity without enlarging the battery’s physical size. This approach is particularly crucial for maintaining battery life in thinner devices, such as the anticipated iPhone 17 Air.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that Apple plans to adopt a stainless steel casing for the iPhone’s battery, allowing for a 5% to 10% increase in cell density while adhering to safety standards. This development is expected to debut in at least one iPhone 16 model and could extend to all versions of the iPhone 17.
Furthermore, Apple is considering the use of pure silicon batteries, replacing graphite with 100% silicon as the cathode. This change could significantly increase energy density, enabling the battery to hold more power and improve overall endurance. While this concept has been under consideration for several years, recent reports suggest that Apple is actively working to overcome technical challenges associated with pure silicon batteries.
Foldable iPhone Considerations
Beyond the traditional iPhone lineup, Apple is rumored to be developing a foldable iPhone. Prioritizing battery life in this device is a key focus, given the inherent challenges of maintaining battery performance in foldable designs. Reports indicate that Apple is improving display driver integrated circuits (DDI) to enhance battery efficiency and is considering the use of a liquid metal hinge to increase durability and reduce screen creases.
Regulatory Compliance and Repairability
Apple’s design innovations also take into account upcoming regulatory requirements. The European Union has passed regulations mandating that smartphones and tablets have batteries that can last longer or offer easier replacement options using common tools. In response, Apple is reengineering the internal design of its devices to facilitate easier battery service. The iPhone 16, for example, features a new internal design that allows for a larger battery and improved heat dissipation, making battery replacements more straightforward.
Conclusion
As Apple prepares to celebrate two decades of the iPhone, the company is poised to introduce a model that embodies significant technological advancements. By integrating under-display camera technology, adopting high-density and pure silicon batteries, and exploring foldable designs, Apple aims to set new standards in smartphone innovation. These developments reflect Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience through cutting-edge design and engineering.
