Apple’s iPhone 17 series is set to introduce a few design updates, including the anticipated release of a new iPhone Air, but these changes are not expected to be as radical as the transformations seen with past models like the iPhone 12 or iPhone X. Despite years of iterative updates, Apple’s design approach for its iPhones has largely remained unchanged since the iPhone 12, which means many users have yet to see a significant departure from the existing design. However, new insights suggest that Apple is preparing for a much bolder redesign when it comes to the iPhone 19 series, expected to debut in 2027.
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, a reliable source for Apple leaks, recently shared some exciting details about the 20th anniversary iPhone in his weekly “Power On” newsletter. According to Gurman, Apple is planning a “major shake-up” for this milestone release, with a particular focus on a new design direction. Notably, Gurman mentions that Apple is working on a foldable version of the iPhone, but it’s the iPhone 19 Pro model that will reportedly feature a groundbreaking design making “extensive use of glass.” This marks a significant shift, as Apple is poised to experiment with materials and aesthetics in ways they haven’t done in recent years.
The heavy reliance on glass for the iPhone 19 Pro’s design recalls the original vision of Jony Ive, Apple’s former design chief. Ive famously envisioned an iPhone that could appear to be made from a single sheet of glass, an idea that was partially realized with the iPhone X. While modern iPhones are often referred to as “slabs of glass,” they have grown bulkier and more complex since the sleek days of the pre-iPhone X designs. The concept of an entirely glass-centric phone seems poised for a comeback, bringing with it the potential for a more minimalist and refined aesthetic.
This shift could redefine the iPhone’s visual identity as we know it, possibly bringing the brand back to its roots of simplicity and elegance. With the iPhone 19 series, Apple seems ready to embrace a design philosophy that reflects a more futuristic and visually seamless device. As we look ahead to 2027, it will be fascinating to see how Apple integrates this bold new glass-based design into its lineup, potentially transforming the smartphone landscape once again.