A South Korean analyst suggests that Cupertino might skip the iPhone 19 and jump straight to the iPhone 20 to celebrate its anniversary model in early 2027.
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Celebrating a Milestone
Following the rebranding of iOS 19 to iOS 26, Apple might soon shake up its iPhone lineup. According to a report by the Korean media outlet ET News, the company plans to release the iPhone 20 in the first half of 2027, several months before the traditional September keynote. The aim is to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, which first hit the market on June 29, 2007.
This speculation, shared by Heo Moo-yeol, a senior analyst at Omdia, suggests a radically redesigned model reminiscent of the iPhone X, which marked the 10th anniversary of the series. The researcher claims that Apple has decided to move straight from the iPhone 18 to the iPhone 20, intentionally skipping the number 19—an echo of the jump from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone X in 2017.
Information suggests that the iPhone 20 would feature a significant aesthetic break: a fully glass chassis, a curved design, and complete integration of sensors under the screen. Recent patents filed by Apple hint at an “all-screen” iPhone with no notch or visible borders, which might symbolize this anniversary generation.
A Completely Rethought Release Schedule
According to Omdia, Apple would split the release of its iPhones into two phases. Early in 2027, we would see the launch of the iPhone 18e and the iPhone 20, aimed at the general public. Later in the year, Apple would introduce the iPhone Air, iPhone 20 Pro, iPhone 20 Pro Max, and the second iPhone Fold with a foldable screen. This plan would represent a strategic shift for Apple, which has historically stuck to its September release window.
A Rumor to Be Taken with a Grain of Salt
However, these forecasts should be taken with caution. Omdia doesn’t have a solid track record with Apple leaks, and its past reports—particularly regarding OLED displays—have not always been accurate. The idea of a launch in the first half of the year seems even more improbable as the iPhone 19 Pro and Fold are expected just six months earlier, which would create an unusually tight release schedule.
As a true technological icon, the iPhone will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027. Whether or not Apple decides to move the date forward, the anniversary model is expected to be a significant milestone in smartphone history: a design entirely in glass, under-screen technologies, and perhaps the first generation to blend artificial intelligence with a fully transparent interface.