iPhone 20 might be out of reach for millions of buyers if rumors about its new design and component challenges prove true. Sources say Apple is developing a fresh exterior for the milestone model, featuring an OLED display curved on all four edges. Paired with the Liquid Glass interface, this screen is expected to deliver an almost entirely bezel-free appearance—but manufacturing it could push the device's price up sharply.
The core issue is the panel's complexity. According to reports, only Samsung can supply such displays for Apple, thanks to its manufacturing scale and expertise in meeting Apple's rigorous quality and volume demands. However, this sole dependency will almost certainly lead to a higher price for each OLED module.
This isn't the first time Apple has faced such a situation. Back in 2017, the iPhone X also relied solely on Samsung as the sole supplier of OLED screens, with panel costs reportedly hitting between $110 and $120 apiece. The outcome: the iPhone X became the most expensive Apple smartphone at that time and helped normalize flagship phones crossing the $1,000 threshold.
For the iPhone 20, the financial strain could be even greater because of DRAM shortages. Apple CEO Tim Cook has already warned that the company's DRAM stock is running low. Industry estimates suggest a single 8GB LPDDR5X module may cost about $180—representing up to 45% of the device's bill of materials. That makes it very hard for Apple to hold the next flagship's sticker price steady.
Still, Apple might use the higher costs as a marketing lever. With its four-edge curved display, near-bezel-free construction, and the new Liquid Glass interface, the iPhone 20 can be pitched as a true next-generation device—one that commands its premium. Even with Apple's formidable brand pull, though, the phone is poised to rank among the company's costliest launches ever.