Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone's launch, and Apple is reportedly preparing a radical new design for its Pro lineup to celebrate the milestone. Fresh leaks from reputable supply chain sources have corroborated earlier analyst reports, indicating that the iPhone 19 Pro and iPhone 19 Pro Max will feature a quad-curved display and under-display Face ID technology. This marks a significant departure from the flat-screen design language Apple has used since the iPhone 12 series, and it promises to deliver a truly bezel-free experience.
The Rumored Design: Quad-Curved Display and Under-Display Face ID
According to supply chain analyst Jeff Pu, who first reported the news in early May 2026, the upcoming iPhone 19 Pro models will abandon traditional flat edges in favor of a display that curves on all four sides — top, bottom, left, and right. This "quad-curved" design creates a seamless visual effect, making the screen appear to wrap around the device with virtually no bezels. This kind of design has been seen before in high-end Android devices from Samsung and Huawei, but Apple has historically favored flat displays for durability and ease of use.
Paired with the curved screen is an under-display Face ID system. Since the iPhone X introduced Face ID in 2017, the TrueDepth camera system has resided in a notch, later reduced to a Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro. Under-display Face ID would hide all the necessary sensors (infrared camera, dot projector, flood illuminator) beneath the active pixels of the screen, leaving only a tiny hole-punch cutout for the front-facing camera. Some rumors suggest even the camera could be hidden, resulting in a completely uninterrupted display.
The combination of quad-curved glass and under-display sensors would represent the most dramatic aesthetic overhaul since the iPhone X's edge-to-edge display. It aligns with Apple's long-term goal of creating a device where the screen dominates the entire front surface. The new design is said to be "evaluation testing" in the mass production line, according to Digital Chat Station, a Weibo leaker with a strong track record on Apple supply chain details.
Corroborating Reports: From Jeff Pu to Digital Chat Station
Earlier this month, Jeff Pu published a research note that brought clarity to the conflicting rumors about Apple's 20th anniversary iPhone. Prior to his report, many expected Apple to launch a special "iPhone 20" model — a standalone device celebrating the anniversary, similar to the iPhone X in 2017. However, Pu claimed that the radical redesign would not be limited to a single model but would instead be applied to the entire Pro lineup: the iPhone 19 Pro and iPhone 19 Pro Max. Digital Chat Station's recent Weibo post supports this claim, adding significant weight to the idea that Apple is treating the 20th anniversary as an opportunity to refresh its flagship family.
This corroboration is crucial because supply chain leaks often provide the most reliable early glimpses into Apple's plans. Digital Chat Station has correctly predicted details of previous iPhone models, including camera module designs and display specifications. His mention of "evaluation testing" implies that the design has progressed beyond conceptual stages and is now being engineered for actual production. This typically happens about 12-18 months before a product's launch, which perfectly aligns with a late 2027 release window for the iPhone 19 series.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman had also hinted in earlier newsletters that Apple was working on a major redesign for the 20th anniversary, but he didn't specify which model would receive it. The convergence of three independent sources — Pu, Digital Chat Station, and Gurman — makes this rumor one of the most credible in recent memory.
Historical Context: iPhone Anniversary Designs
Apple has a history of using milestone anniversaries to introduce revolutionary changes. The 10th anniversary iPhone X in 2017 discarded the home button, introduced Face ID, and popularized the notch that defined smartphone design for years. It was a gamble that paid off, setting the template for all subsequent iPhones. Now, for the 20th anniversary, Apple seems poised to again redefine what an iPhone can look like.
The quad-curved display concept builds on Apple's design patents filed over the past decade. Some patents show devices with glass that curves on all edges, similar to the iPhone 6's rounded sides but extended to the display. Under-display technology has been a key focus for Apple, with multiple acquisitions in optical sensor companies. The company already uses under-display Touch ID on some iPad models, but Face ID is more complex due to the number of sensors required. Achieving under-display Face ID would be a major engineering feat, requiring precise alignment of infrared components through pixel layers.
If successful, the iPhone 19 Pro's design could influence the entire industry, just as the iPhone X's notch did. Competitors have already experimented with under-display cameras and quad-curved screens, but Apple's implementation is expected to set higher standards for usability and reliability. The company's rigorous testing ensures that the curve doesn't distort images or affect touch sensitivity, and that the under-display sensors work accurately even in low light.
What's Included in the 2027 Lineup?
The iPhone 19 Pro and Pro Max are expected to be announced in September 2027, with the radical design applying to both models. They will likely be joined by a second-generation iPhone Ultra (first introduced in 2026) and a new iPhone Air model. The iPhone Ultra is rumored to feature an even larger display, titanium frame, and enhanced camera system, while the iPhone Air may serve as a thinner, more affordable option. The standard iPhone 19 and iPhone 19 Plus are expected to retain more conventional designs, possibly with incremental upgrades. This tiered approach allows Apple to differentiate its high-end models with the most innovative technology while keeping lower-cost models accessible.
Reports also suggest that the new Pro models will feature the A20 chip, manufactured on a 2-nanometer process for significant performance and efficiency gains. The under-display Face ID and quad-curved screen may require new production techniques, potentially increasing costs. Analysts predict a modest price increase of $100–$200 over the current Pro models, reflecting the complexity of the design. However, Apple may absorb some costs to maintain competitiveness.
Challenges and Expectations
Developing a quad-curved display with under-display Face ID is not without its challenges. The curve must be carefully managed to avoid optical distortion and reflections. Apple will likely use advanced glass molding and anti-reflective coatings. The under-display sensors require the display panel to have sufficient transparency in the infrared spectrum, which may necessitate new OLED materials. Additionally, the durability of the curved glass remains a concern, as curved screens have historically been more prone to cracks on impact. Apple may incorporate ceramic shield technology or a new composite material to address this.
From a software perspective, iOS will need to adapt to the curved edges, with UI elements likely remaining within a rectangular safe area to avoid clipping. The status bar, notifications, and home screen icons will all be adjusted to take advantage of the extra screen real estate without interfering with the curve. Apple has experience handling this with the rounded corners of current iPhones, but a quad-curve requires more sophisticated rendering.
Despite these hurdles, the industry response to the rumor has been largely positive. Investors see the redesign as a catalyst for a new super-cycle of upgrades, similar to the iPhone X launch. Consumers, especially those who have held onto older models like the iPhone 13 or 14, may be tempted to upgrade to the 20th anniversary model. The combination of a fresh look and advanced sensors could drive significant sales in fiscal year 2028.
Additional Context: The iPhone's Evolution
Since the original iPhone in 2007, each major redesign has accompanied a leap forward in technology. The iPhone 4 introduced Retina display and a glass sandwich design. The iPhone 6 brought larger screens. The iPhone X eliminated bezels. Now, the iPhone 19 Pro aims to eliminate even the top bezel entirely with under-display Face ID. The trend is clear: Apple wants the front of the phone to be all screen, with no visual interruptions. This aligns with broader industry trends, as under-display camera technology matures and foldables gain popularity. Yet Apple seems committed to the traditional slab form factor, refining it to its logical conclusion.
Supply chain sources in Asia indicate that LG Display and Samsung Display are competing for orders to produce the quad-curved OLED panels. Both have experience with curved screens from Android devices, but Apple's stringent quality standards require higher yields. The under-display Face ID module is reportedly being developed by a combination of Apple's internal engineering team and partners like Sony for the camera sensors. Mass production is expected to ramp up in mid-2027, leaving a year for final validation.
In addition to the design overhaul, the iPhone 19 Pro is rumored to feature improved battery technology, possibly using stacked cell geometry for higher energy density. The camera system may see a periscope lens upgrade for increased optical zoom, although that may remain exclusive to the Pro Max or Ultra models. A new color option, potentially a deep red or bronze, has also been discussed among leakers to commemorate the 20th anniversary.
As the launch date approaches, more leaks and patent filings will likely surface. For now, the convergence of multiple credible sources gives the quad-curved display and under-display Face ID rumors substantial credibility. The next twelve months will be crucial as Apple moves from evaluation testing to final design lock, and from there to mass production. Whether these features appear exactly as rumored or undergo some changes, the iPhone 19 Pro promises to be the most exciting iPhone in years, paying homage to the pioneering spirit of the original device while pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone can be.
Source: 9to5Mac News