Apple appears poised for a significant evolution in its smartphone lineup, targeting the iPhone's 20th anniversary next year for a major shake-up, according to insights from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. While the potential debut of Apple's first foldable iPhone often grabs headlines, the company is also reportedly developing a distinctly 'bold new Pro model' as part of this milestone celebration. This anticipated device could represent the culmination of a long-held design ambition within Apple, potentially realizing a vision championed by former Chief Design Officer, Jony Ive.
Ive famously envisioned an iPhone that would resemble a 'single sheet of glass,' a concept that began to take clearer shape with the introduction of the iPhone X. Although recent iPhone iterations have trended towards increased thickness rather than sleekness, Apple seems ready to pivot back towards Ive's ideal. This strategic shift is expected to commence with the launch of an ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air model later this year. The design philosophy underpinning the iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to influence future models, including the special 20th-anniversary Pro version set for release next year, pushing the boundaries of thinness and material integration.
Gurman's reports suggest this anniversary Pro model will feature a design incorporating 'more extensive use of glass.' While the prospect of increased glass might raise immediate concerns about durability and repairability for many users, such a move aligns with Apple's historical emphasis on premium materials and aesthetics. Introducing a groundbreaking, glass-centric design for the iPhone's two-decade milestone makes strategic sense, offering a distinct visual and tactile departure from current models. This approach echoes Apple's pattern of using significant anniversaries to introduce notable design shifts.
Building on previous reports that the iPhone 17 Air marks the beginning of a trend towards universally thinner iPhones, it's plausible that Apple aims to merge this ultra-slim profile with the increased glass construction for the anniversary iPhone 19 Pro. Such a combination could effectively achieve the seamless 'single sheet of glass' appearance that Ive envisioned years ago. This direction suggests a future where iPhones prioritize an even more minimalist and integrated aesthetic, potentially setting a new standard for smartphone design language.
Alongside the development of this unique Pro model, Apple's 20th-anniversary strategy reportedly includes the introduction of its first foldable iPhone. This device, potentially adopting a book-style fold similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold but aiming for a less noticeable screen crease, is also expected to leverage technological advancements from the iPhone 17 Air, such as display, battery, and potentially the C1 modem technology. While details remain scarce, the foldable is seen as another key element in Apple's plan to commemorate the iPhone's legacy with significant innovation, likely targeting a launch in late 2026 or early 2027.
Unfortunately, beyond the mention of 'more extensive use of glass' for the Pro model and the general direction towards thinness, specific design details from Gurman remain limited at this stage. The exact form factor, material integration, and feature set of both the anniversary Pro and the foldable iPhone are still subject to speculation. However, the convergence of the 20th anniversary, the legacy of Jony Ive's design philosophy, and the push towards new form factors like ultra-thin and foldable devices strongly suggests that Apple is preparing for a transformative period in the iPhone's history.
