iPhone 20 Pro Rumors Confirm Quad-Curved Design but Drop Advanced Display Tech

Key points

• Apple is proceeding with a four-sided bending display for the 20th-anniversary iPhone 20 Pro models, creating a near-borderless look.
• The iPhone 20 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to have larger displays (6.41-inch and 6.96-inch) with higher resolutions than the current iPhone 18 Pro.
• Apple has postponed the adoption of Color Filter on Encapsulation (COE) and Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide Plus (LTPO+) display technologies for the 2027 models.
• The decision to drop COE and LTPO+ is attributed to higher memory pricing and Apple seeking superior alternatives to current options.
• The iPhone 20 Pro is expected to launch in September 2027, skipping the iPhone 19 name to mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone.

Background

Apple recently launched the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September 2026, which features an aluminum unibody, a 2nm A20 Pro chip, and a smaller Dynamic Island. The company has also introduced the foldable iPhone Duo, which is set to release on October 23, 2026. Previous rumors suggested that Apple might skip the iPhone 19 name entirely to launch the iPhone 20 in 2027 to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone.

How outlets are covering it

9to5Mac and CNET both confirm the quad-curved, near-borderless design for the iPhone 20 Pro, but 9to5Mac highlights that Apple is dropping COE and LTPO+ technologies due to cost and efficiency issues. CNET emphasizes the larger display sizes and the potential for higher prices due to the all-glass design. Mashable cites leaker Digital Chat Station for specific display resolutions and sizes, while also noting the possibility of an under-display selfie camera to shrink the Dynamic Island further. Jefferies had previously expressed skepticism about the near-borderless design, but 9to5Mac notes that the ETNews report confirms Apple is moving forward with it.

Why it matters

The shift to a quad-curved design and larger displays could redefine the premium smartphone market, potentially leading to higher prices and setting new standards for display technology. The decision to drop advanced display technologies like COE and LTPO+ indicates Apple's focus on cost management and efficiency, which could impact the overall performance and battery life of the 2027 models.

What to watch

Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 20 Pro and Pro Max in September 2027. The company may also explore alternative display technologies to replace COE and LTPO+. The iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable phone, is set to release on October 23, 2026, which could influence the design and features of the iPhone 20 Pro.