Apple reportedly planning ‘major shake-up’ for its 20th anniversary iPhone lineup

Apple is reportedly preparing a substantial redesign of its flagship device in time for its 20th anniversary next year. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the tech giant is planning a “major shake-up” to commemorate two decades of the iPhone, including the long-anticipated launch of a foldable model and a strikingly sleek “Pro” edition.

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Apple is working toward fulfilling a vision first championed by former Chief Design Officer Jony Ive, who had long imagined an iPhone that resembled a single sheet of glass. This concept began materializing with the iPhone X, which introduced edge-to-edge OLED displays and removed the home button, setting the foundation for minimalist smartphone design.

Now, Apple appears to be doubling down on that design philosophy. The company is expected to release the iPhone 17 Air later this year — an ultra-thin model that will mark the first step in what insiders suggest is a broader shift toward sleeker, more refined hardware. Gurman reports that this design evolution is expected to culminate in next year’s anniversary iPhone, potentially dubbed the iPhone 19 Pro, which could feature significantly more glass in its construction.

While exact design details remain under wraps, the emphasis on glass points toward a radical aesthetic update that may blur the boundaries between display, body, and interface — a hallmark of Ive’s original vision. Though the move raises concerns around durability and repairability, Apple has a long-standing tradition of prioritizing form and innovation, often setting industry trends in the process.

Adding to the excitement is the rumored introduction of Apple’s first foldable iPhone, signaling the company’s official entry into the foldable market — a space already occupied by competitors such as Samsung and Huawei. This bold strategy appears aimed not just at innovation but at capturing the imagination of a market increasingly seeking novelty and refinement.

Gurman emphasizes that these efforts are part of a long-term trajectory, with Apple exploring ultra-thin designs across the entire iPhone lineup. While much remains speculative, the forthcoming changes suggest Apple is readying itself for a landmark year, one that may usher in the most visually and technologically ambitious iPhones to date.