iPhone 20 leaks reveal Apple’s 20th anniversary game plan

Zaid Al-Mansouri
By
Zaid Al-Mansouri
Tech writer at All Things Geek. Covers smartphones, wearables, and mobile technology.
7 Min Read
iPhone 20 leaks reveal Apple's 20th anniversary game plan

iPhone 20 leaks are painting a picture of Apple’s most ambitious anniversary flagship yet. The 2027 model, marking 20 years since the original iPhone debuted in 2007, is rumored to introduce features that blur the line between base and Pro variants, according to supply chain analysts Jeff Pu and Ross Young.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone 20 leaks suggest a notchless design with under-display Face ID coming in 2027.
  • All iPhone 20 models rumored to feature 120Hz LTPO OLED displays, previously limited to Pro variants.
  • Base model expected to include 50MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, a Pro-only feature today.
  • In-house A20 chip built on 2nm process promises 30+ hours of battery life.
  • “Liquid Glass” scratch-resistant material rumored for enhanced durability over current Ceramic Shield.

Under-Display Face ID Finally Arrives on iPhone

The most visually striking change in iPhone 20 leaks is the elimination of the notch. Under-display Face ID technology, long rumored for iPhones, is finally ready for mass production in 2027, according to Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants. This means the front-facing camera sensors will be hidden beneath the OLED screen itself, delivering a truly notchless design Apple has been chasing for years. The shift represents a major design overhaul—the notch has defined iPhone aesthetics since the iPhone X in 2017.

This move also enables a larger display on the base model. iPhone 20 leaks suggest a 6.6-inch screen for the standard variant, up from the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch panel. That extra screen real estate, combined with the notchless design, creates a more immersive viewing experience without increasing overall device size.

ProMotion and Pro Features Go Mainstream

iPhone 20 leaks reveal that Apple is democratizing premium features across the entire lineup. Jeff Pu from GF Securities reports that the entire iPhone 20 lineup will feature 120Hz LTPO OLED displays for the first time, a capability currently reserved for Pro models. This means even the base iPhone 20 will offer the smooth scrolling and adaptive refresh rates that Pro users have enjoyed since the iPhone 13 Pro.

The camera system tells a similar story. iPhone 20 leaks indicate the base model will include a 50MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom—a feature that has been exclusive to Pro variants for years. This represents a significant upgrade from the iPhone 16’s standard telephoto capabilities and directly competes with Samsung’s Galaxy S25, which is expected to offer a 32MP selfie camera. The iPhone 20’s rumored 48MP front-facing camera would surpass that benchmark, addressing one of Apple’s longstanding weaknesses in selfie photography.

The A20 Chip Powers Efficiency Gains

Under the hood, iPhone 20 leaks point to Apple’s in-house A20 chip, built on TSMC’s 2nm process. This represents a generational leap in manufacturing efficiency compared to current chips. The 2nm process enables better power efficiency and raw performance in a smaller footprint, allowing Apple to pack more capability into the same chassis size.

Battery life is the most tangible benefit. iPhone 20 leaks suggest the larger base model could achieve 30+ hours of battery life, a dramatic improvement driven by the efficiency gains of the 2nm process combined with the larger chassis. This directly addresses one of the most common complaints about modern iPhones—users want longer battery life, and the 2027 flagship appears positioned to deliver it.

Design Refinement with “Liquid Glass” Back

iPhone 20 leaks describe an all-glass back with enhanced color-shifting effects and a new material called “Liquid Glass,” claimed to be more scratch-resistant than the current Ceramic Shield. While durability claims in leaks should be taken with skepticism, the focus on a premium glass design suggests Apple is leaning into luxury aesthetics for the anniversary model.

The foldable iPhone, expected in 2026 under the codename “iPhone Ultra” or “iPhone Fold,” will arrive before the iPhone 20. This means the 2027 flagship remains a traditional slab design, allowing Apple to perfect the notchless form factor without the complexity of a foldable mechanism. The iPhone 20 becomes the refined, refined take on a decade of iPhone design evolution.

How does iPhone 20 compare to current iPhones?

iPhone 20 leaks suggest the base model will match or exceed the feature set of today’s Pro variants. The 120Hz display, 50MP telephoto, and under-display Face ID are all currently Pro-exclusive. This represents a significant value proposition shift—buyers of the standard iPhone 20 will get features that cost hundreds more on today’s iPhone 16 Pro.

When will iPhone 20 launch?

iPhone 20 leaks consistently point to a 2027 release timeline, marking 20 years since the original iPhone debuted in 2007. Expect an announcement in September 2027, with pre-orders and availability following Apple’s traditional schedule. This gives Apple two years to refine the under-display technology and iron out any manufacturing challenges.

Will iPhone 20 have a foldable version?

No—the foldable iPhone, expected in 2026, will arrive before the iPhone 20. The 2027 flagship remains a traditional slab design, making it the refined flagship rather than an experimental form factor. The foldable will be a separate product line.

iPhone 20 leaks paint a picture of a confident, feature-rich anniversary flagship. Apple appears to be pulling out all the stops for the 20th anniversary—notchless design, universal ProMotion, Pro-level cameras on the base model, and efficiency gains that finally deliver the battery life users have been demanding. Whether these leaks prove accurate, the iPhone 20 is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most anticipated launches in years.

Edited by the All Things Geek team.

Source: Tom's Guide

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Tech writer at All Things Geek. Covers smartphones, wearables, and mobile technology.