Apple’s upcoming iPhone milestone promises a revolution. The company is preparing for a major overhaul of the iconic device as it celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2027. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman gives us a sneak peek into what could be Apple’s boldest move in years.
The Road Ahead: Apple’s 20th Anniversary iPhone
As the iPhone turns 20, Apple is planning a game-changing celebration of the iconic device’s anniversary. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has been working on an exciting overhaul that will include some of the most ambitious upgrades we’ve ever seen from the tech giant. The big news? A foldable iPhone and a Pro model with a sleek new glass design are reportedly on the horizon.
Though this shake-up is still a couple of years away, it’s safe to say the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027 will mark a pivotal moment in Apple’s tech history. The foldable iPhone, long speculated but never officially confirmed, is finally poised to debut, following years of development. This new device could take the iPhone’s functionality to an entirely new level, joining a growing trend of foldable smartphones that have captured the imagination of tech enthusiasts worldwide.
A New Era of Design: What to Expect
While the foldable iPhone remains the crown jewel of this upcoming shake-up, Apple’s plans for a Pro model are equally exciting. Gurman reports that the Pro model will make more extensive use of glass, signaling a potential shift in the iPhone’s design language. This could mean a sleeker, more premium feel, with the phone’s surface being dominated by high-quality glass that offers both aesthetic appeal and improved durability.
However, not everything will be completely new. Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, expected to launch ahead of the anniversary in 2027, won’t be as radically different as some might expect. In fact, Gurman notes that the iPhone 17 Pro “will look a lot more like the 16 Pro than anticipated.” While the front of the phone will remain largely similar, the rear camera will be housed in a new panel that spans the width of the device.
What About the iPhone 17?
If you were hoping for major updates with the iPhone 17, prepare for a slight letdown. While it will feature some incremental upgrades, the device won’t be a complete overhaul. The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to retain a similar design to its predecessor, with one of the more notable changes being the camera layout. Gurman mentions that the camera area on the back will no longer feature a two-toned finish; instead, it will match the color of the rest of the device for a more uniform look. In short, the iPhone 17 Pro will feel like an evolution rather than a revolution.
A New Foldable iPhone on the Horizon
Apple has been keeping its foldable ambitions under wraps for some time, but the tech world has been buzzing with anticipation. Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo have suggested that a foldable iPhone could arrive as early as late 2026 or 2027. Kuo estimates that the device will carry a hefty price tag between $2,000 and $2,500, putting it in competition with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, which debuted at a similar price.
But getting to this point hasn’t been without challenges. Apple has faced significant hurdles in perfecting the durability of a foldable iPhone. In fact, reports from The Information in February 2024 suggested that Apple was encountering several issues in making the foldable device robust enough for mass production. Although rumors initially pointed to a 2025 launch alongside the iPhone 16 or potentially the iPhone 17, these plans were delayed due to ongoing technical difficulties.
For those eager to see the next big thing in smartphone technology, Apple’s 20th-anniversary iPhone promises to be worth the wait. While the iPhone 17 will offer incremental improvements, all eyes are now on the 2027 release, which could redefine what we expect from mobile devices. The introduction of a foldable iPhone, alongside a Pro model with stunning glass enhancements, will not only celebrate two decades of iPhone innovation but could also mark the dawn of a new era in smartphone design.
