20th Anniversary iPhone May Skip All-Screen Design in 2027

Apple fans have been buzzing about a revolutionary redesign for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027. Early rumors suggested a fully all-screen device with no cutouts, promising a sleek, uninterrupted display. However, new insights from display analyst Ross Young cast doubt on these claims, suggesting that Apple’s celebrated all-screen iPhone might still be a few years away.

Dynamic Island Likely to Stick Around

Ross Young, former VP at Counterpoint Research, recently clarified his predictions about Apple’s upcoming displays. According to his post on X (formerly Twitter), the smaller Dynamic Island expected for the iPhone 18 Pro models this fall will likely remain in place through 2027. This indicates that Apple may not achieve a true all-screen experience for the 20th-anniversary device.

Young’s comments suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro and its variants may still include a subtle cutout for the front-facing camera and Face ID components. While Apple has made significant progress with under-display technology, it appears the company isn’t ready to fully eliminate visible display elements yet.

Full Notch-Free Display Might Wait Until 2030

Digging deeper into Apple’s long-term roadmap, Young predicts that a fully notch-free iPhone won’t arrive until 2030. According to him, the 2028 iPhone Pro models may feature a centered hole-punch cutout within the Dynamic Island, rather than a truly uninterrupted screen.

This timeline aligns with prior forecasts shared by Young in June 2025, reinforcing the idea that the all-screen iPhone many hope for could remain a future milestone rather than a 2027 reality.

Could a Special 20th-Anniversary Model Appear?

Despite these predictions, there’s still room for surprises. Apple has a history of launching special edition devices ahead of standard releases. The original iPhone X debuted alongside the iPhone 8 in 2017, introducing a radical design while standard models retained older features.

Apple could adopt a similar strategy for the 20th anniversary, creating a premium edition that showcases the all-screen design rumored by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Meanwhile, standard iPhone 18 Pro models could continue to feature the smaller Dynamic Island, balancing innovation with practical production timelines.

What This Means for iPhone Fans

For consumers eagerly anticipating a breakthrough design, Young’s insights are both reassuring and sobering. On one hand, Apple is steadily refining its display technology, moving cameras and Face ID sensors under the screen. On the other, a fully uninterrupted display may remain just out of reach for another few years.

Regardless of the exact timeline, Apple’s 2027 iPhone lineup promises subtle but meaningful upgrades. Fans can expect a more refined Dynamic Island, improved display tech, and perhaps a sneak peek at the company’s long-term all-screen ambitions.

Apple is set to reveal the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max later this year, offering a glimpse at the company’s evolving design philosophy. Whether the 20th-anniversary edition will truly redefine the iPhone experience remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Apple continues to push the boundaries of what a smartphone display can achieve.