Design evolution ahead
Apple's 2028 iPhone is shaping up to be a significant step in the evolution of the design introduced in 2027. The four-edge curved display, a key feature of the upcoming anniversary model, will likely see important improvements. According to reports, the 2028 version will use a more transparent cathode material—indium zinc oxide instead of the magnesium-silver alloy used in the 2027 device. This change, detailed by Korea's ETNews, should result in less image distortion and more even brightness across the curved screen, which has been a persistent challenge with earlier prototypes.
The move also helps narrow the bezels compared to the 2027 model. Indium zinc oxide cathodes allow for greater screen-to-body ratios, pushing the iPhone closer to a fully seamless front. While not borderless yet, the 2028 iPhone could look much closer to the concept than the 2027 version, with ETNews noting additional improvements in brightness and heat management at the curved edges as a benefit of the new material.
Camera tech in testing
Apple is reportedly testing a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera in prototypes, as reported by the leaker Digital Chat Station. However, the technology may not reach final production before the 2028 iPhone. The higher resolution camera would allow for sharper detail and more flexible cropping without loss of quality, a major benefit for photography enthusiasts who often capture and later enlarge images.
Morgan Stanley analysts have also cited that Apple is aiming to bring the 200MP sensor into production as early as 2028. This aligns with a broader push to make iPhones more competitive in the premium smartphone photography market, where rivals like Samsung and Google are already pushing high megapixel counts and advanced image processing features.
Tech upgrades and haptics
Alongside the display and camera improvements, the 2028 iPhone could also see a step up in chip performance. The high-end models are expected to move from the 2-nanometer process in 2027 to a 1.4-nanometer “A22 Pro” chip, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The chip will be built on TSMC’s A14 node and is said to offer up to 15% better performance than the 2nm chip, or the same performance with 30% less power usage, making it more efficient for demanding applications and extended use.
Apple is also reportedly considering a simplified tandem OLED technology for the 2028 iPhone, a design first seen in the M4 iPad Pro. The stacked layers improve brightness, lifespan, and efficiency over traditional single-layer OLED displays. LG Display is pushing its own version focused on the blue sub-pixel, but the final choice remains with Apple, which has been known to be cautious about adopting new technologies until they are fully matured.
As for haptic feedback, there are rumors Apple may adopt solid-state haptic buttons built into the frame. This could eliminate the need for traditional physical keys while maintaining tactile feedback, a feature already in development for several upcoming Apple products. Such a system would likely rely on piezoelectric actuators that vibrate in response to user input, creating the sensation of a physical press without the mechanical components.
The 2028 iPhone also seems likely to address the unresolved issue of under-display Face ID. While it may arrive as early as 2027, reports from Ross Young suggest it is unlikely to be ready in time. The 2028 model is the next likely candidate to bring the feature, either through a smaller hole-punch or full under-display tech. This would finally allow Apple to offer a front that is free of cutouts, a trend that has already been seen in many Android devices.
With the 2028 iPhone still around 26 months away, none of these details are settled. The further out a rumor sits, the more room there is for Apple's plans to change before the device reaches production. Still, these rumors are more relevant than they might first appear.