Apple said to make 3 big design changes to iPhone in next 5 years

India Today

5 days ago

Apple appears to be planning major design updates for the iPhone lineup over the next few years. While the focus for now remains on the upcoming iPhone 17 series expected later this year, a fresh report sheds light on the longer-term roadmap Apple could follow as it aims for a clean, uninterrupted screen on its future iPhones. The new details come from Ross Young, a well-known display analyst who has a fairly reliable track record with Apple-related leaks. According to Young, Apple is working on a three-phase transition that would eventually result in a truly all-screen iPhone with no notch, no cutouts, and no punch holes. Here is everything we know about it.advertisementSmaller cutout in 2026As per Young's post on social media platform X, Apple's first big step is expected to arrive in 2026, possibly with the iPhone 18 series. Instead of removing the Dynamic Island or punch hole entirely, Apple could reduce the size of the current cutout. This is because certain Face ID components may still need to remain above the screen, though others could begin moving beneath the display.This move would be a gradual refinement of the current design rather than a complete redesign. While this may not sound like a huge design change, it will be the beginning of Apple's plan to hide sensors under the display over time. However, other reports, including one from The Information, have suggested that Apple might completely do away with the Dynamic Island by 2026 and opt for a small hole-punch camera instead. So far, Apple has not officially confirmed any of these changes.Most sensors under the screen by 2028advertisement
If Apple sticks to Young's timeline, the next major design change would happen in 2028. By then, most Face ID components, except for the selfie camera, are expected to be hidden beneath the screen. That means users would still see a small punch hole for the front-facing camera, but the rest of the display would appear more seamless. This would bring the iPhone much closer to the long-awaited "all-screen" design, where users can enjoy content on a clean display without any interruptions. However, it still wouldn't be the final step in Apple's journey.All screen design without cutouts by 2030According to Ross Young, Apple may only be able to achieve its true all-screen design by the year 2030. By then, the company is expected to place both the Face ID sensors and the selfie camera under the screen, eliminating the need for any visible holes or notches.While this sounds exciting, it also means users could have to wait up to five more years for a completely uninterrupted display experience on the iPhone. That's a longer timeline than some other sources have suggested.For instance, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple might introduce a special iPhone model in 2027 to celebrate the device's 20th anniversary. This model could feature curved edges, ultra-slim bezels, and possibly even a full-screen front with no visible sensors. If true, it would mean Apple might fast-track its plans.Apple still testing designs behind the scenesadvertisementIt's important to note that Apple's long-term design plans are often subject to change. A product planned for launch in 2027 or 2030 may still be in early stages of development, and many of the technical aspects, especially placing sensors under the display, still need to meet Apple's quality and performance standards.Even analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo have suggested that Apple has not finalised the components for its upcoming foldable iPhone, which is rumoured to arrive in 2026. That shows how fluid these timelines can be. What's clear is that Apple is working toward a much cleaner design for future iPhones. But whether that happens in 2026, 2028, or 2030 will depend on several factors including component readiness, supply chain support, and internal testing.As of now, all these rumours remain unofficial. Apple rarely confirms its plans in advance, so users will have to wait for more leaks to get a clearer picture. Until then, it's best to take these timelines with some caution. But if the reports are accurate, iPhone fans could see some of the biggest design changes ever over the next five years.- Ends