Apple’s 2027 iPhone Pro lineup tipped for quad‑curved display in 20th anniversary redesign
Apple is reportedly planning a major design overhaul for its 2027 iPhone Pro lineup, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone’s launch. Instead of a one-off commemorative device, the company is expected to apply the new look across both the iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max.
According to supply chain reports from South Korea, the 2027 Pro models are slated to adopt a quad-curved display. This design would see all four edges of the screen subtly curved, in contrast to the current flat-panel approach that Apple introduced with the iPhone 12 series and has refined on recent Pro devices.
The shift to a quad-curved screen would echo design experiments previously seen on some Chinese Android flagships. Several brands implemented extreme curved edges in the late 2010s, only to revert to flatter designs for better ergonomics and durability, a direction Apple itself helped popularize in the premium segment.
Under-display tech still in development
Alongside the new display shape, Apple is also working on under-display imaging technology for future Pro models. The long-term goal is to hide Face ID components beneath the display, reducing or even eliminating the visible notch and Dynamic Island cutout on the front of the device.
Industry analysts suggest that under-display Face ID has been on Apple’s roadmap for several years, but technical hurdles around brightness, color accuracy and sensor reliability have slowed deployment. Some reports indicate that fully under-display Face ID may slip to 2027 or later, and could debut alongside the quad-curved design.
An under-display front camera is also being explored, but expectations are more cautious. Current implementations from rival manufacturers often suffer from softness and artifacts, and Apple is said to be unwilling to compromise image quality for a cleaner aesthetic, especially on its flagship Pro line.
Anniversary timing and product strategy
The original iPhone was unveiled in early 2007 and released later that year, reshaping the smartphone industry. By 2027, the device will mark 20 years on the market, a milestone Apple reportedly wants to acknowledge with a more visible design leap than the incremental changes seen in recent generations.
Rather than releasing a limited-edition Anniversary iPhone, Apple appears to be integrating the commemorative elements directly into its mainstream Pro range. This approach would ensure the redesign reaches a broad audience and reinforces the Pro models as the showcase for Apple’s latest display innovations.
Analysts note that Apple’s industrial design cycles typically span several years, with major external changes arriving after extended periods of internal refinement. The 2027 redesign would follow a series of evolutionary updates focused on performance, camera hardware and battery efficiency across the 2024, 2025 and 2026 lineups.
What it means for the iPhone roadmap
If the quad-curved panels enter mass production on schedule, display makers such as Samsung Display and LG Display are expected to play key roles in supplying the specialized OLED screens. The new geometry would require updated manufacturing processes and durability testing, particularly around impact resistance at the corners.
The redesign could also influence how Apple differentiates its Pro and non-Pro models in the late 2020s. While the standard iPhone range might retain flatter displays and more conventional materials, the Pro devices could emphasize immersive viewing, thinner bezels and a more fluid appearance.
Apple has not commented publicly on any 2027 iPhone plans, and the company’s roadmap can still change as technologies mature. However, the convergence of the iPhone’s 20th anniversary, the push toward under-display sensors and growing competition in the premium segment give added weight to expectations of a high-profile redesign that goes beyond routine yearly refreshes.
