When the 20th-anniversary iPhone launches in 2027, it is expected to feature a bold redesign with a screen that gently wraps around all four edges. This massive shift will create a completely borderless look for the device. However, a recent supply chain report out of Korea suggests the initial version will launch with a minor visual compromise, which Apple plans to fully address the very next year.
The display gets a new material swap to fix the screen distortion
The 2027 model will use a magnesium-silver alloy in the screen’s cathode layer. While this is a standard material, putting it on a display with four curved edges creates a small problem. It causes the image to distort and lose brightness right at the far edges of the phone. The tech giant is aware of this limit, but it plans to release the new iPhone anyway while more advanced technology catches up.
Then, in 2028, Apple will roll out a second stage of this design. It will switch the screen’s internal material to indium zinc oxide. Since this new material is much more transparent, it lets more light pass through. This swap will reduce the visual distortion, fix the uneven brightness, and keep the edges from heating up.
To make this happen, the company is working closely with LG Display and Samsung Display. Each supplier is currently spending millions to build new facilities so it can handle this specific production process.
By rolling the design out over two years, the brand can introduce its new look on time while giving its supply chain partners enough room to perfect the updated screen tech.
