In a move that’s sparking excitement across the tech world, Apple is reportedly planning a significant departure from its traditional naming convention for its 2027 smartphone lineup, opting to leapfrog directly to the “iPhone 20” to mark the iconic device’s 20th anniversary.
The revelation comes from a presentation by Omdia Senior Researcher Heo Moo-Yeol at a conference in Seoul, setting the stage for what could be the most significant iPhone redesign in a decade.
Skipping a Generation for a Milestone
According to the report, Apple’s roadmap for 2027 is packed. The year is expected to kick off with the launch of the iPhone 18e and the standard iPhone 20 in the first half, followed by a sprawling lineup in the second half including the iPhone 20 Air, iPhone 20 Pro, iPhone 20 Pro Max, and the highly anticipated second-generation iPhone Fold.
The decision to jump from the expected iPhone 19 to iPhone 20 is particularly intriguing. While Heo did not explicitly state the reason, industry analysts were quick to connect the dots. The original iPhone was unveiled by Steve Jobs in 2007, making the 2027 model the device's 20th-anniversary edition. This would not be without precedent; Apple famously skipped the iPhone 9 in 2017 to launch the iPhone X (ten) in celebration of the iPhone’s first decade.
This strategic shift was detailed in a recent industry analysis, which you can find in this report from ETNews.
iPhone 20: A 20th-Anniversary Design Revolution
A milestone anniversary calls for a milestone design, and rumors suggest Apple is preparing exactly that. The iPhone 20 series, particularly the anniversary models, are tipped to receive the most significant visual overhaul since the iPhone X eliminated the home button.
Industry insiders point to a slimmer profile with a gracefully curved glass design, but the true game-changer lies in the display. Apple is expected to finally implement under-display Face ID and an under-display front camera. This long-rumored technology would hide the necessary sensors beneath the screen, eliminating the need for a notch or dynamic island and creating a truly seamless, all-screen front that represents the culmination of years of design evolution.
Navigating a Transition: Apple’s Adjusted Production Cycle
This ambitious plan, however, comes with temporary growing pains. Omdia’s forecast indicates that Apple’s shifting release strategy will create a noticeable dip in iPhone display panel demand in 2026, estimated at around 20 million units.
This is largely due to a simplified 2026 lineup. Instead of a full suite of models, Apple is expected to launch only the iPhone 18 Air, Pro, Pro Max, and the first-ever foldable iPhone, reportedly skipping a standard base model for the year. The standard model is now slated for a return in early 2027 as part of the new “iPhone 20” family, aligning with a new split-launch strategy that sees key releases spread across the year.
It’s worth noting that while Heo’s projection included an “Air” model, conflicting reports suggest Apple may scale back on new sub-variants due to softening global smartphone demand, making its launch less certain.
A Return to Growth by 2027
Despite the anticipated 2026 slowdown, the long-term outlook for Apple remains robust. The debut of the first foldable iPhone in 2026 is itself a major event, projected to ship over 8 million units in its inaugural year.
Furthermore, once Apple’s dual-launch strategy stabilizes with the full rollout of the iPhone 20 series in 2027, the company’s total panel shipments are forecast to rebound strongly. After an estimated 245 million units in 2025, shipments are expected to recover and exceed 250 million units in 2027, signaling a confident return to growth powered by a celebratory and potentially revolutionary new iPhone.
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