The iPhone 20 may undergo a complete redesign, but what does that mean?

As Apple approaches the 20th anniversary of the iPhone in 2027, expectations are building around a potential major redesign. According to recent reports, Apple is already working on what could be a radically different iPhone 20, with bold changes in both form and functionality. The goal seems to be clear: redefine what a smartphone looks and feels like for the next decade.

Apple’s third decade: Foldables, glass and a new direction

Apple’s last transformative redesign came in 2017 with the iPhone X. That model introduced an all-screen front and Face ID, shaping the iPhone’s identity for years. Now, the company may be preparing to shake things up again—this time with a foldable version and more extensive use of glass in the hardware.

According to journalist Mark Gurman, Apple is considering a foldable iPhone for its 2027 lineup, along with a design that incorporates even more glass. This could signal a shift toward sleeker, futuristic builds that move away from traditional materials. Such changes could also align with iOS 19’s rumored glass-like visual style, pointing to a unified aesthetic between hardware and software.

However, it’s unclear if these innovations will make the same impact as the iPhone X did. Foldables are still a niche, and increasing the use of glass introduces durability concerns. Still, Apple has a history of taking emerging ideas and pushing them into the mainstream.

There’s also the possibility of a dual-launch: a premium, next-gen iPhone 20 and a more conservative model, similar to how the iPhone 8 launched alongside the X. Whether or not this new design becomes a standard, it’s clear Apple wants the iPhone 20 to mark a turning point.