A display analyst has revealed Apple’s timeline for major iPhone design changes, suggesting the first truly all-screen iPhone won’t arrive until 2030. This timeline is much longer than previous reports indicated.
Three-Stage Design Evolution
Supply chain analyst Ross Young outlined Apple’s plan for removing the iPhone’s notch and Dynamic Island:
2026: Smaller notch as some Face ID components move under the screen, but some parts remain visible in a smaller cutout.
2028: All Face ID elements hidden under the screen except the front camera, which stays in a separate hole.
2030: Front camera also goes under the screen, creating the first iPhone with no notch or hole.
Conflicting Reports
Young’s timeline differs significantly from other industry reports. The Information previously said some 2026 iPhone 18 models would lose the Dynamic Island completely and get a small hole in the top-left corner.
Other sources supported this earlier timeline. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reported Apple is developing an all-screen iPhone for 2027 to mark the device’s 20th anniversary.
Young’s roadmap pushes the first all-screen iPhone back to 2030, three years later than other predictions.
Apple’s Changing Plans
The conflicting reports may reflect Apple’s ongoing design decisions. With phones still years away from release, the company likely continues adjusting its plans.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently said Apple hasn’t finalized components for its first foldable iPhone, despite an expected 2026 launch. This shows how Apple’s timelines can shift.
Display Expert’s Track Record
Young has a strong track record with display predictions, making his timeline worth considering. However, other reliable sources have reported different schedules.
The truth may become clearer as more analysts weigh in on Apple’s plans over the coming months.
Long Wait for All-Screen Design
If Young’s timeline proves correct, iPhone users will wait five more years for a truly all-screen device. This seems like a long time given the rapid pace of smartphone innovation.
Apple has been working on under-screen technology for years, but technical challenges have slowed progress. The company prioritizes quality over speed, which could explain the conservative timeline.
The 2026 iPhone 17 launch is still months away, and Apple’s final design decisions for future models remain uncertain.
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