The 20th-anniversary iPhone: Why It Could Be Apple’s Most Ambitious Release
Rumors are heating up regarding Apple’s 2027 flagship, which is expected to commemorate the original iPhone’s debut two decades ago. According to leaks from Weibo’s Instant Digital, Apple is actively testing a solid-state haptic button system that would replace traditional mechanical controls across the entire device, including the side, volume, Action, and Camera Control buttons. These buttons are reportedly designed to function flawlessly under various conditions, such as while wearing gloves, with wet hands, or when inside a protective case. Most impressively, the system is said to feature an ultra-low energy microprocessor, ensuring these buttons remain responsive even if the phone is powered off or the battery is completely drained.
This shift toward solid-state technology appears to be part of a broader vision for a truly borderless, "seamless glass slab" design. By eliminating physical cutouts, Apple aims to achieve a display that curves around all four sides of the device. While previous attempts at this technology—such as the rumored "Project Bongo"—were abandoned for earlier iPhone models, the upcoming anniversary edition may finally make this design a reality. Additional speculation surrounding the 2027 release suggests a host of high-end upgrades, including under-display Face ID and cameras, a massive 6,000mAh battery, and advanced ceramic shielding, positioning this model as a significant departure from the standard iPhone lineup.