Apple iPhone 20th Anniversary May Bring Radical Redesign, Bloomberg Reports

Apple could be preparing its most dramatic iPhone redesign in years as it gears up to celebrate the product’s 20th anniversary in 2027. According to a new report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman—known for his accurate Apple forecasts—Apple is planning a “bold new Pro model” that may fundamentally change the way iPhones look and feel.

iPhone 17 Series May Lay the Groundwork for a Design Revolution

Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter hints that while the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro won’t diverge drastically from the iPhone 16 Pro, it will feature a noticeable tweak—a rear camera lens that stretches all the way to the right edge of the phone.

However, more significant changes are reportedly in the works. Apple is said to be developing an ultra-sleek model nicknamed iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim, which could signal the start of an entirely new design language ahead of the iPhone’s milestone anniversary.

“A Single Sheet of Glass” Vision Becoming Reality

The new iPhone design is said to reflect a long-standing Apple vision: to create a device that looks and feels like a “single sheet of glass.” This aesthetic ambition has roots in the iPhone X, launched in 2017, and aligns with the minimalist philosophy championed by former Chief Design Officer Jony Ive.

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to take that vision further, blending high-end materials and ultra-thin construction in ways that have never been seen before in an iPhone.

Thinner Than Ever Possibly Under 6mm

If current leaks are accurate, the iPhone 17 Air could be thinner than the iPhone 6, which was just 6.9mm thick. Trusted supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has speculated that the new model might even approach a remarkable 5.5mm thickness, making it the slimmest iPhone Apple has ever produced.

Interestingly, the model may also feature a single rear camera, prioritizing aesthetics over multi-lens versatility, while still incorporating cutting-edge Apple technology under the hood.

A Strategic Shift in Time for a Milestone Year

Apple’s move to redesign the iPhone isn’t just about looks—it may also reflect deeper shifts in consumer expectations and industry trends. With increasing competition and maturing smartphone markets, bold design changes may help reignite excitement and drive upgrades.

The iPhone’s 20th anniversary presents a unique opportunity for Apple to reaffirm its innovation legacy, and early indicators suggest the tech giant isn’t holding back.