Article Contents:
- Introduction: The end of the iPhone design stagnation era
- 2025: The launch of the slim “iPhone Air”
- 2026: The arrival of the anticipated foldable iPhone
- 2027: The “iPhone 20” celebration with a curved glass design
- What about other Apple devices?
- Services sector growth: Apple’s plan to face challenges
- The future of Siri: Between Apple’s internal models and external partnerships
- Conclusion: The iPhone remains at the heart of Apple’s empire
Introduction: The end of the iPhone design stagnation era
Over the past five years, iPhone design innovation appeared to slow down significantly. Yes, chips became better and cameras more powerful, but the external shape of the phone remained largely familiar. Consumers no longer line up for the latest model because of a fresh design, but rather because their screens cracked or their batteries wore out. However, all of that is about to change. For the first time in its history, Apple is planning three consecutive years of radical iPhone redesigns in an effort to reignite excitement around its flagship product.
2025: The launch of the slim “iPhone Air”
The kickoff will happen in September with the “iPhone Air,” a new ultra-thin model set to replace the iPhone 16 Plus. This strategy follows the success of the MacBook Air: a thinner, lighter device that can be marketed instantly. Yet, thinness comes with trade-offs: battery life is expected to be below average, it will feature a single rear camera, and there will be no room for a physical SIM card. More importantly, the iPhone Air will utilize Apple’s first in-house modem chip, marking a major step toward independence from Qualcomm. Alongside the Air model, we will see the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, which will carry minor design updates along with an upgraded camera system on the Pro models.
2026: The arrival of the anticipated foldable iPhone
The biggest change arrives in 2026 with Apple’s first foldable iPhone, codenamed V68. Its design resembles Samsung’s book-style foldables, opening up to transform into a small tablet. It is expected to pack four cameras (one in the front, one inside, and two on the back) and will use Touch ID instead of Face ID. Apple is working hard to make the crease in the middle of the screen less noticeable, having recently transitioned to in-cell touch screen technology to improve touch accuracy and reduce air gaps. This device will be a game-changer and is expected to achieve massive popularity among Apple fans willing to pay any price for the latest technology.
2027: The “iPhone 20” celebration with a curved glass design
In 2027, Apple will celebrate the twentieth anniversary of its smartphone with the release of the “iPhone 20.” This design will finally ditch the flat edges we have grown accustomed to since 2020, adopting an all-around curved glass design. This sleek look will pair perfectly with iOS’s new “liquid glass”-based user interface, delivering a seamless visual experience. This step will serve as a tribute to the iPhone’s long history while acting as a bold leap into the future.
What about other Apple devices?
Innovation is not limited to the iPhone alone. Apple is planning comprehensive updates across its product lineup. This fall, we expect updates to the Apple Watch, faster Vision Pro headsets, and M5-powered iPad Pros. The company is also working on new AirPods Pro featuring heart rate monitoring. Next year, Apple will launch the low-cost iPhone 17e, new iPads and iPad Air models, alongside M5-powered MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs. Most importantly, we may finally see the long-awaited HomePod equipped with a screen, entering direct competition with Amazon and Google in the smart home market.
Services sector growth: Apple’s plan to face challenges
The services sector stands as Apple’s largest profit generator after the iPhone, raking in about $100 billion annually. However, this sector faces major regulatory challenges, particularly regarding the App Store and the search engine deal with Google. To counter these risks, Apple is working on launching new services and raising prices on existing ones. It recently bumped up the price of the TV+ service to $12.99 per month, and plans to roll out a paid Health+ service next year—an AI-driven health coach offering dietary plans and medical suggestions.
The future of Siri: Between Apple’s internal models and external partnerships
The Siri voice assistant stands at a crossroads. Apple is weighing two options: continuing to rely on its internal language models, or shifting to models from an outside provider. The company is in talks with Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI. Recently, Apple asked Google to develop a version of its Gemini models capable of running on Apple’s cloud servers to power Siri. This indicates that Apple is seriously considering external partners to boost its AI capabilities, which could fundamentally change the future of Siri.
Conclusion: The iPhone remains at the heart of Apple’s empire
The year 2025 may not be revolutionary for the iPhone, but it will lay the groundwork for major shifts in 2026 and 2027. Apple’s ambitious plan to redesign its iconic phone shows that the iPhone remains, and will continue to be, the focal point of everything at the company. With slim, foldable, and futuristic designs, Apple is gearing up to reignite consumer excitement and reaffirm its position as a tech industry leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most prominent upcoming change in iPhone design?
A: The most prominent change is the launch of the first foldable iPhone in 2026, which will open like a book to transform into a small tablet, delivering a brand-new user experience.
Q: Will the foldable iPhone be similar to Samsung devices?
A: Yes, leaks indicate it will resemble Samsung’s book-style foldable design, but with Apple’s own design and software touch, focusing on minimizing the visibility of the screen crease.
Q: What challenges might the “iPhone Air” face?
A: Due to its very slim design, it may face battery life challenges—potentially falling short of other models—alongside housing a single rear camera, making it a less appealing choice for photographers.
Q: Why is Apple seeking partnerships with Google and OpenAI?
A: To rapidly boost its Siri voice assistant capabilities, as Apple faces pressure to keep pace with rapid developments in generative AI models offered by companies like Google and OpenAI.
