Apple reportedly planning major iPhone shake-up for 20th anniversary in 2026

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is gearing up for a ‘major shake-up’ to mark the 20th anniversary celebration of the iPhone next year. Among the many changes reportedly in development are the Cupertino tech giant’s first-ever foldable iPhone and a bold new look for the “Pro” model.  

A tribute to Jony Ive’s vision 

Apple is planning for a complete design overhaul by using more glass on the upcoming Pro model. This could potentially fulfill the legendary former design chief Jony Ive’s dream of an iPhone that “appears like a single sheet of glass.” Similar ideas have influenced Apple’s product design for years, most notably starting with the iPhone X.   

Although Apple’s design language has leaned toward bulkier builds and heavier materials in recent models, the company is said to be shifting course with this upcoming anniversary lineup. 

iPhone 17 Air: The first step 

Apple seems to be initiating this new design transformation in the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to launch later this year. Gurman previously reported that this ultra-thin device would be the first step toward an eventual lineup of thinner, more elegant iPhones. The 20th-anniversary model is expected to push this vision a level further, potentially combining ultra-thin design with a more seamless glass build. 

Is the foldable iPhone finally on the way?

Since Samsung launched its first foldable phone, rumors surrounding a foldable iPhone have appeared regularly. If Apple is actually planning to launch a foldable iPhone, 2026 could indeed be the year. 

It’s unclear whether Apple will adopt a design similar to the Galaxy Z Flip or Galaxy Z Fold, but reports suggest that the Cupertino tech giant is focused on ensuring the foldable device meets the same high standards for durability and user experience it is known for. 

What to expect from the 2026 iPhone lineup 

Except for the hint at a “single sheet of glass” design, Gurman hasn’t revealed any additional hardware details, which leaves much room for speculation. Possibilities could include under-display Face ID and cameras, a portless body, and edge-to-edge glass with no physical buttons, as these ideas have been long rumored in Apple’s design circles. 

A milestone year ahead… 

As Apple prepares to mark two decades since the launch of the original iPhone in 2007, expectations are high that the company will deliver a groundbreaking device that honors its past and sets the tone for the future of smartphones. 

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