Apple is reportedly testing one of its boldest iPhone designs yet as it looks ahead to the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. The most striking part of the prototype is said to be a near-uninterrupted front display, paired with Face ID moved under the panel.
The leak comes from Chinese gadget tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo. According to the claim, the device being tested could be tied to the 2027 iPhone Pro and Pro Max models, with iPhone 19 Pro and iPhone 19 Pro Max also circulating in rumors, although Apple has not confirmed any naming plan.
A cleaner front, but not fully camera-free
The prototype is described as using a quad-curved display design. That means the screen curves on all four sides, which should make the bezels appear even thinner from multiple angles.
At the same time, the front camera is still expected to remain visible as a punch hole. Face ID, however, is said to be hidden beneath the display, which would make the front of the phone look cleaner and reduce the number of visible components.
That combination suggests Apple is aiming for a more dominant screen with fewer visual interruptions. It also shows the company is not yet ready to remove every visible cutout from the front panel.
Why 2027 matters for Apple
The timing of the rumor lines up with the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, which first went on sale in June 2007. Several earlier reports have pointed to major changes for the 2027 iPhone lineup, including possible special-edition devices.
That special model is reportedly being positioned as part of the anniversary celebration. One of the most notable features linked to it is an uninterrupted display, a concept that would push the front design even closer to a true all-screen look.
Such a move would reflect a broader design shift for Apple. For years, the company has been strongly associated with flat-screen iPhones, so a return to a curved display approach would mark a significant change in direction.
Technical hurdles remain
Even with that ambition, the technology still faces clear limitations. The biggest challenge is hiding the front camera under the display without hurting photo quality.
That may explain why the prototype linked to Digital Chat Station still uses a punch hole instead of an under-display camera. Apple appears to be prioritizing display cleanliness while still keeping selfie performance at a level it considers acceptable.
The approach also fits Apple’s usual pattern of waiting until a feature feels mature before pushing it broadly. In this case, the company may be testing how far it can go with an almost seamless screen while leaving the front camera exposed for now.
A different direction from recent Android trends
The rumored quad-curved design is also notable because it runs against a trend seen in recent years. After becoming popular, many Android makers moved back toward flat displays, partly because flat panels are considered more practical.
If Apple does choose this direction, the 2027 iPhone generation could stand out not just for its anniversary significance, but also for a major visual reset. For now, though, everything remains at the prototype stage, and Apple has made no official announcement.
Source: tekno.kompas.com
