Apple is reportedly planning something unlike anything it has done before. A well-known leaker claims the 20th anniversary iPhone, expected to arrive in 2027, will use a completely new type of curved screen technology that could redefine what a smartphone display looks like.
The leak comes from Ice Universe, a reliable source in the display supply chain, and the details are striking. If accurate, the 20th anniversary iPhone display could mark the biggest visual change to the iPhone since the original device launched back in 2007.
What Is the “Liquid Glass Display”?
According to the leak, Apple may market this new screen technology as a “Liquid Glass Display.” The description sets it apart from anything currently on the market.
Ice Universe describes it as an equal-depth quad-curved OLED panel, meaning all four edges of the display curve inward in a uniform way. This is different from the curved Android phones we have seen from Samsung and other manufacturers over the years, where the curvature is typically more pronounced on the sides only.
The goal appears to be hiding the display bezels entirely from the user’s line of sight. By curving all four edges subtly, Apple wants to create the impression of a screen with no visible border. The leaker notes the curvature itself could be extremely subtle — more of an optical trick than a dramatic bend.
Samsung is tipped as the panel supplier for this display, continuing the ongoing relationship between the two companies on iPhone OLED production.
Under-Display Face ID Is the Real Challenge
For the 20th anniversary iPhone to fully deliver on this vision, Apple needs to hide both the Face ID system and the front-facing camera under the display. That is where things get complicated.
Display analyst Ross Young has stated that under-display Face ID will not be ready in time for a 2027 launch. If that holds true, Apple may need to keep a small cutout for the camera, which would compromise the seamless look the company is reportedly aiming for.
Other leakers disagree and believe under-display Face ID is achievable for 2027. The divergence in sources suggests Apple is actively working on the technology but has not yet committed to a final design.
This mirrors the situation Apple faced before launching the original iPhone notch, and then again when it developed the Dynamic Island. Apple tends to iterate until the technology meets its standard rather than launching a half-measure.
If you are following Apple’s broader hardware roadmap, the foldable iPhone leaks and rumors are also shaping up to be one of the most significant announcements of 2026.
Why This Matters Now
It might seem early to be talking about a 2027 device. But display supply chains require years of preparation, and leaks about panels tend to surface this far in advance precisely because manufacturers are beginning to ramp up production trials.
The fact that Samsung is reportedly already involved in building the panel means this is well past the concept stage. Apple’s relationship with Samsung Display for OLED panels is long-established, and both companies have a track record of keeping next-generation screen technology closely guarded until announcements.
For context, Apple is also expected to introduce a major visual design language overhaul — reportedly called Liquid Glass — across its software with WWDC 2026 this June. If the same “Liquid Glass” language carries over to the physical display of the iPhone, it suggests Apple is building a coherent design identity that spans both hardware and software.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 20th anniversary iPhone?
The 20th anniversary iPhone refers to the device Apple is expected to release in 2027, marking two decades since the original iPhone launched in 2007. Reports suggest it will receive a dramatic redesign to mark the milestone.
What is a quad-curved display?
A quad-curved display curves on all four edges — top, bottom, left, and right — rather than just the sides. Apple’s version reportedly uses an equal-depth design, meaning the curvature is uniform and extremely subtle.
Will the 20th anniversary iPhone have under-display Face ID?
It is unclear. Display analyst Ross Young says the technology will not be ready, but other leakers believe it is achievable. Apple has not commented officially.
Who is making the display for the 20th anniversary iPhone?
Samsung Display is reportedly the supplier for the new quad-curved OLED panel, according to the leaker Ice Universe.
Conclusion
Apple’s 20th anniversary iPhone is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious redesigns in the company’s history. The reported Liquid Glass Display — a quad-curved OLED panel with equal-depth curves on all four edges — represents a fundamentally different approach to what a smartphone screen can look like.
The biggest obstacle is under-display Face ID, which may determine whether Apple fully delivers on this vision or has to compromise. Either way, the groundwork is being laid now, and the display supply chain is already moving. This is one to watch closely over the next 12 months.
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