Apple’s rumoured 20th anniversary iPhone could be taking another step towards production, with new reports suggesting suppliers are preparing for a more glass-focused redesign.
According to Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital, what’s widely being referred to as the iPhone 20 has “returned to glass”, with at least one manufacturing site reportedly renovated ahead of production. While the claim doesn’t confirm the handset’s final design, it does add weight to previous reports that Apple is planning one of its biggest iPhone overhauls since the iPhone X.
The leaker also claims that the upgraded facility is waiting for new equipment to begin processing components using a manufacturing method said to be similar to the first-generation MacBook Air. However, exactly what that means remains unclear.
The report names Biel Crystal as the primary supplier, alongside BYD and Lens Technology. All three companies have previously supplied glass components for Apple devices, suggesting the work is more likely to involve the phone’s exterior than its display. The leak also claims existing machinery previously used for glass-backed iPhone Pro models could be repurposed rather than replaced entirely.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Apple is building an iPhone from a single piece of glass. Instead, the rumoured shift could refer to a larger glass rear panel or involve a redesigned enclosure. It might also mean a move away from the mixed-material construction expected on this year’s Pro iPhone models.
The latest claims align with several earlier reports about Apple’s anniversary handset. Previous rumours have pointed to a device with an almost edge-to-edge display, curved sides and fewer visible bezels. Another report from May suggested Apple had already begun production evaluation for a display curved on all four sides.
Even so, there’s still plenty of uncertainty. Some reports suggest Apple is developing a genuinely curved OLED display, while others believe the company could instead pair a flat panel with specially moulded cover glass. This approach would achieve a similar visual effect.
As always, it’s worth treating the latest leak with some caution. Fixed Focus Digital has correctly predicted details such as the iPhone 16e branding in the past, but has also missed the mark on other claims. This includes reports that the standard iPhone 17 would gain a 120Hz display without ProMotion.
Apple hasn’t confirmed any plans for its 2027 iPhone lineup, and “iPhone 20” remains an unofficial name for what is expected to mark the handset’s 20th anniversary. If these supplier preparations are genuine, though, it could be another sign that Apple is gearing up for a major redesign.
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