After years of playing it safe with iPhone design, Apple now appears ready to explore new form factors and more radical design choices. The company has already taken the first step in this direction with the iPhone Air, and signs point to a foldable iPhone being the next big change. Now it looks like Apple’s design evolution is about to get even more interesting.
According to The Information, Apple plans to release a special edition iPhone in fall 2027 to mark the device’s 20th anniversary. Those involved in the project have told the publication that this model will “feature a front and back casing that curves around the edges of the device, eliminating the black frame and increasing the screen size.”
Although the report doesn’t reveal any further details, the description suggests that the special-edition iPhone could be similar to curved-display Android phones from Samsung, Motorola and Xiaomi. If that’s the case, this design may look spectacular, but it may not be well received by users.
Visual appeal vs. practical utility
Android OEMs are already moving away from this design trend, as curved displays that spill over the edges often draw criticism despite their striking appearance. Accidental touches are a major problem, coupled with a higher risk of damage from drops and limited compatibility with screen protectors.
It’s also not immediately clear how much of this curved design users will appreciate when they put a case on the device. For now, it’s too early to say how Apple plans to address the special edition iPhone’s accidental touch and durability issues.
With the iPhone’s 20th anniversary still two years away, Apple has plenty of time to refine the design and address the problems users often face with phones with curved displays. How the company deals with it could determine whether the special model is celebrated or criticized.
