20th Anniversary iPhone May Feature Solid-State Buttons and Four-Curved Glass Design
A recent leak from the Chinese social media platform Weibo claims that Apple plans to introduce solid-state buttons with haptic feedback on the sides of the 20th-anniversary iPhone, expected to launch in 2027. This will be paired with a new curved glass design to enhance the commemorative significance and design recognition of the model.
The leak indicates that the model, dubbed the “20th Anniversary iPhone,” is currently undergoing testing in various usage scenarios, including operation with gloves, wet hands, extreme temperatures, and with protective cases on, to assess button feedback performance.
The information comes from the Weibo account “刹那数码” (Shana Digital), which systematically listed the configurations they know about the 20th Anniversary iPhone in a recent post. The most discussed feature is the long-rumored solid-state button solution, which has been slow to materialize. It is said that the button works through a built-in “ultra-low-power chip” that can recognize presses even when the iPhone is turned off. This aligns with the leaker’s previous statement in October 2025 that “functional verification of solid-state buttons has been completed,” suggesting the technology may have reached maturity before mass production.
Solid-state buttons refer to identifying user operations by detecting pressure changes in the frame area, rather than relying on traditional mechanical structures or simple capacitive touch. Compared to physical buttons, this solution helps create a more integrated, continuous, and smooth body appearance, reducing openings and gaps between parts, thereby scoring double points in both visual appeal and durability. For Apple, this aligns with long-standing rumors of a “full-glass iPhone,” and the realization of solid-state buttons would be a key component in achieving a highly integrated glass body.
In addition to the buttons, the leak also mentioned a series of specifications upgrades that are considered “almost predictable.” These include adopting an under-display Face ID solution, utilizing an under-display infrared system and an under-display front-facing camera to further hide the notch or opening under the display. At the same time, rumors suggest that Apple is also exploring “under-display sound” technology to cancel the traditional earpiece opening at the top of the screen, enabling a more complete integrated design on the front.
In terms of display technology, the device is said to be equipped with a dual-layer OLED screen, bringing the iPhone’s panel specifications in line with the latest iPad Pro. However, supply chain rumors indicate that Apple has switched to using “quad-micro-curved” OLED panels from Samsung, providing a four-sided micro-curved display effect for the device tentatively called iPhone 20, echoing previous talk of a “curved glass 20th-anniversary iPhone.”
Battery life is also seen as another key area of upgrade. Apple is preparing a battery with a capacity of approximately 6000mAh for this model to significantly improve the overall battery life. Accompanying this is the re-emergence of “reverse wireless charging” functionality, which has appeared many times in rumors about the iPhone, dating back to 2019, but has never been implemented in official products. If this rumor comes true, the 20th Anniversary iPhone may be able to wirelessly power other devices in reverse.
Regarding body protection, the leak mentioned that the front glass will use a new generation of glass material called “Ceramic Shield Ultra.” Although the leaker also admits that this name is “self-created,” the core argument is that Apple will continue to iterate on the strengthening technology for the front panel of flagship models, and the new glass should effectively resist scratches when placed in the same bag or pocket with common sharp objects like keys. This speculation is consistent with Apple’s strategy of continuously upgrading drop and scratch resistance in recent generations of iPhones.
However, despite the reasonable technical paths and product rhythms of these rumors, the article also reminds that the overall reliability of leaks from the Weibo platform is limited, and many accounts tend to repeat existing rumors without cross-validation to attract attention. This information is more like a “wish list compilation” based on previous rounds of leaks, rather than a systematic disclosure based on rigorous supply chain evidence.
Looking back at past history, rumors of solid-state buttons on the iPhone have been around for a long time. As early as 2023, there were views that the iPhone 15 Pro would adopt solid-state buttons paired with a low-power control chip, but the final mass-produced model did not realize this vision. Similarly, elements such as “under-display Face ID,” “reverse wireless charging,” and “higher-strength front panel glass” have also appeared many times in the rumor cycles of different iPhone generations, but are often delayed due to technical maturity, cost control, or product rhythm.
Therefore, whether the 20th Anniversary iPhone will truly combine solid-state buttons, four-curved OLED, under-display Face ID, a 6000mAh large battery, and the so-called “Ceramic Shield Ultra” remains to be viewed with caution. Industry consensus is that this generation of models will be relatively radical in design and technology to highlight its commemorative significance, but whether each function can ultimately enter the mass-produced version still depends on subsequent supply chain news and Apple’s official release in the coming years.