Apple is reportedly still on track to introduce a major glass-focused redesign of the iPhone in 2027, marking the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone. The development comes after a recent report from Jefferies analyst Edison Lee suggested that Apple had cancelled its plans for an all-glass iPhone because of manufacturing challenges.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s broader product roadmap has not changed. The company is still preparing new Pro models with a significantly more glass-centric design for next year, although the final product may not match the completely uninterrupted glass concept that Apple had explored earlier.
A Glass-Centric Design Is Still in Development
The upcoming 2027 Pro models are expected to feature glass on both the front and back, with the material extending and curving around the sides of the device. A metal band in the middle could remain part of the structure, helping connect and support the glass sections.
The design would represent a major change from the iPhone’s current construction and could become one of Apple’s most significant visual updates in years. Reports about the 20th anniversary iPhone have previously pointed to a curved, mostly glass design intended to create a more seamless appearance.
The timing is also significant. The original iPhone was introduced in 2007, making 2027 the 20th anniversary of Apple’s smartphone.
More Ambitious Glass Design Faced Problems
Apple’s design team had reportedly considered an even more ambitious version of the device that would rely on a greater amount of glass and reduce the role of metal further. However, that concept was abandoned during the development process.
One of the reported difficulties involved connecting the glass panels together. Producing the design at the scale required for a mass-market iPhone proved challenging, leading Apple to move away from the more extreme version.
As a result, the design expected for 2027 is understood to be more practical while still retaining the central idea of a glass-focused iPhone. The use of a metal band between the glass sections could provide the structural support needed for the final design.
Also Read: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Release Date: When Is the New Model Expected to Launch?
The 2027 iPhone Will Follow Major 2026 Launches
Before the anniversary models arrive, Apple is expected to introduce several other iPhone models. The company is reportedly preparing to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max later this year, alongside its first foldable iPhone, which has been widely referred to as the iPhone Ultra in reports. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has identified September 8 or September 9 as possible dates for the upcoming premium iPhone launch, although Apple has not officially announced an event date.
The standard iPhone 18 and the more affordable iPhone 18e are expected to follow in 2027, according to the reported product roadmap.
Apple Preparing for Its Next iPhone Event
Apple is also reportedly working on the promotional and launch preparations for its upcoming premium iPhone lineup. These preparations are said to include the keynote video, press announcements, advertising materials, retail store displays and other launch arrangements.
September 9 has been cited as a likely date for the event, although this remains unconfirmed until Apple makes an official announcement. The company traditionally holds its main iPhone launch events in September.
For 2027, the focus is expected to shift toward the iPhone’s 20th anniversary and a more dramatic change in design. While the original vision of an uninterrupted all-glass iPhone appears to have been scaled back, the reported plans suggest Apple is still pursuing a major glass-based transformation for its Pro models.
If the current roadmap remains unchanged, the 2027 iPhone could become another important design milestone for Apple, following the iPhone X redesign that marked the company’s 10th anniversary in 2017.
Also Read: iPhone 18 Pro Max Launching Next Month With 10 Major New Features: What to Expect
