Apple is currently testing a new iPhone prototype featuring a display of approximately 6.96 inches, potentially marketed as a 7-inch device. The company is considering this larger form factor for a potential 2027 release to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone.
Testing the Largest iPhone in History
Apple has begun internal testing on a device that would represent the largest display in the company’s history. While the panel measures roughly 6.96 inches, industry expectations suggest that if the device reaches mass production, it would likely be marketed as a 7-inch model. This development, first reported via the Chinese source Digital Chat Station, positions the potential device as a centerpiece for the 20th anniversary of the iPhone brand.
Current information indicates that while the screen size is expanding, the aspect ratio remains consistent with the existing iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, there is no official confirmation yet that this specific panel will be finalized for a future model, such as a hypothetical iPhone 20 Pro Max.
Evolution of Display Sizes Since 2024
The move toward a 7-inch display follows a pattern of incremental increases in the company’s premium handset lineup. Apple last adjusted the screen dimensions of its Pro series in 2024 with the introduction of the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. In that cycle, the iPhone 16 Pro grew from 6.1 to 6.3 inches, while the 16 Pro Max expanded from 6.7 to 6.9 inches. These changes were achieved primarily by narrowing the bezels and slightly increasing the overall body dimensions.
The current expectation for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max is that they will maintain the dimensions established by the iPhone 17 Pro series. Under this trajectory, the 18 Pro would stay at 6.3 inches, with the 18 Pro Max holding at 6.9 inches. The testing of a 7-inch panel is the first concrete indication that Apple is exploring a further size increase for the 2027 anniversary cycle.
Design Expectations for the Anniversary Model
Reports suggest that the anniversary device may feature a significant design overhaul. Beyond the potential size increase, there is speculation that the phone could utilize an edge-to-edge display with curved glass on all sides, effectively minimizing the surrounding borders. Such a design would represent one of the most visible aesthetic changes to the product line in years.
Despite these internal tests, the company has not made a final decision on the hardware specifications for the 2027 launch. Because the device remains in the prototype phase, the final product could differ significantly from current test units. The strategy appears to be focused on creating a device that serves as a symbolic marker for two decades of iPhone development, potentially occupying a unique, premium position within the company’s future smartphone portfolio.
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