Apple to revert to iPhone 4 design as inspiration for 2020 iPhone

TF International Securities analyst and well-known Apple leaker Ming-Chi Kuo has issued a research note highlighting the expected design changes in store for the 2020 iPhone line. Kuo has previously revealed, as expected, that the 2020 models will get the first full redesign in three years. However, this time around Kuo points to the iPhone 4 as a possible design inspiration with the rounded off corners of the current models replaced by a squared off stainless steel band.

Kuo’s prediction seems plausible given that the 2018 iPad Pro redesign also features a similar squared off edge instead of the curved approach used in previous iPad designs. Kuo doesn’t expect any Samsung-esque curved displays and believes that Apple will continue with the current front and rear 2/2/5F glass. However, he expects to see "a more complex segmentation design, new trenching and injection molding procedures, and sapphire or glass cover assembly to protect the trench injection molding structure."

Other rumors for the 2020 iPhone point to a Qualcomm-sourced 5G chip and all-OLED panels for the three models, including for the base iPhone 11 sequel which currently uses an LCD panel. The two high-end replacements for the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max are expected change their screen sizes as well. The current 5.8-inch Pro will shrink to 5.4-inches while the Pro Max will grow from 6.5-inches to 6.7-inches. As a result of the design changes, Kuo expects all to ship 85 million iPhones in 2020 versus his current forecast of 75 million iPhone shipments for 2019.