Apple Is Working Toward a True All-Screen iPhone

Apple’s vision of a completely uninterrupted iPhone display is getting closer—but it won’t happen overnight. According to recent reports, the company is taking a multi-step approach to eliminate cutouts like the Dynamic Island, gradually moving toward a seamless, edge-to-edge design.

This long-term roadmap could ultimately lead to a special 20th-anniversary iPhone, potentially arriving around 2027.

Step 1: A Smaller Dynamic Island

In the near term, Apple isn’t removing the Dynamic Island just yet—it’s refining it.

The upcoming iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature a smaller Dynamic Island, as Apple begins moving some Face ID components beneath the display. This would reduce the visible cutout while keeping the same functionality users are familiar with today.

This aligns with Apple’s typical strategy of evolving hardware gradually rather than making sudden, risky changes.

Step 2: Under-Display Face ID

The next phase involves pushing Face ID fully under the display.

Once Apple can reliably embed the infrared sensors beneath the screen without affecting performance, the design could shift to a single hole-punch cutout for the front-facing camera.

At this stage, most of the front-facing hardware would be hidden, leaving only a small visible opening.

Step 3: A Fully Hidden Camera

The final step is the most challenging.

To achieve a truly uninterrupted display, Apple needs to place the selfie camera under the display as well. This has proven difficult across the industry, as hiding a camera beneath the screen can reduce image quality.

Reports suggest Apple is already testing this concept, working toward a solution that maintains camera performance while eliminating visible cutouts.

A Possible 20th Anniversary iPhone

Apple is reportedly exploring a special concept device that represents the end goal of this transition.

This prototype is said to feature a fully under-display camera and a quad-curved display that wraps around all four edges, creating a completely borderless look.

If Apple can bring this vision to market, it could coincide with the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone in 2027, making it a symbolic milestone for the company.

Why It’s Taking Time

Creating an all-screen iPhone isn’t just about hiding components—it’s about doing it without compromise.

Apple needs to ensure that Face ID remains secure and reliable, that the front camera delivers high-quality photos and video, and that the display itself maintains brightness and clarity.

These technical challenges are why Apple is taking a phased approach rather than rushing to release a fully redesigned device.

The Bigger Picture

Apple’s gradual transition reflects a broader trend in smartphone design.

By moving step by step—from a smaller Dynamic Island to under-display sensors and eventually a fully hidden camera—the company is balancing innovation with reliability.

Final Thoughts

The all-screen iPhone is no longer just an idea—it’s a clear direction Apple is working toward.

While the iPhone 18 Pro will likely bring only incremental changes, it represents the beginning of a larger transformation. If Apple succeeds, the end result could be a device that feels like nothing but display—no cutouts, no borders, just a seamless glass surface.