Apple Testing Solid-State Buttons, Under-Display Face ID for 20th Anniversary iPhone [Rumor]

Apple is reportedly testing a sweeping set of hardware upgrades for its 20th-anniversary iPhone. A new leak details several advanced technologies currently in development for the milestone device, ranging from solid-state buttons to a true all-screen display.



According to leaker Instant Digital on Weibo, Apple has passed key testing milestones for its solid-state buttons. The pressure-sensitive inputs have reportedly been tested for use with gloves, wet hands, extreme temperatures, and protective cases. The system can reportedly still detect input when the device is powered off, using an ultra-low power chip. The technology has been in development for several years, with earlier plans for solid-state buttons on prior iPhone models ultimately delayed.


The 20th-anniversary handset is also expected to include several technologies aimed at enabling a true all-screen design. The leaker claims Apple is working to implement under-display Face ID and an under-display front camera, part of a broader push toward an iPhone with no display cutouts. The device may also incorporate a dual-layer OLED panel and an under-display acoustic system, eliminating the traditional earpiece slit at the top of the display. That direction aligns with ongoing work on micro-curved, pol-less OLED panels designed to create a more seamless glass front.

Durability and power are seeing equally ambitious targets. The post also references a significantly more scratch-resistant display, though no specific material is mentioned. Battery capacity is tipped to reach around 6,000mAh, a notable jump beyond the ~5,200mAh range currently being tested for upcoming models. Finally, the leak mentions support for reverse wireless charging, though it's unclear whether all of these features reflect active development or a broader set of goals for the device.