Apple is preparing to celebrate a milestone like no other: the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. While the event is still a couple of years away, the tech giant is already planning some exciting innovations to mark the occasion. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a “major shake-up†is in the works, with a foldable iPhone and a new Pro model that will take the use of glass to new heights. However, don’t expect to see radical changes to the iPhone lineup before then.
The Foldable iPhone: A Long-Awaited Leap into the Future
Apple has been rumored to be working on a foldable iPhone for years, and it seems the company is finally ready to make that vision a reality. The foldable iPhone is expected to be released sometime around 2027, coinciding with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary. While this device has been in the works for a while, challenges with durability and engineering have delayed its launch. In fact, Apple initially aimed to release a foldable phone alongside the iPhone 16 or iPhone 17, but those plans have since been pushed back. Industry analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, have speculated that the foldable iPhone could cost between $2,000 to $2,500, putting it in direct competition with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series. The Galaxy Z Fold 6, for instance, was priced just above $2,000 at launch, making Apple’s upcoming entry into the foldable market a significant move in the premium smartphone space.Apple’s Durability Struggles with Foldable Design
While Apple’s foldable ambitions have generated significant buzz, the company has faced its share of hurdles. According to reports from The Information, Apple has struggled with the durability of its foldable iPhone prototype, particularly the folding mechanism and screen longevity. These issues have reportedly pushed back the timeline for release, with the foldable iPhone now expected to land after the iPhone 17, possibly in late 2026 or 2027.
iPhone 17 Pro: Subtle Design Changes, But Major Performance Upgrades
Before the much-anticipated foldable iPhone takes the stage, Apple is set to release the iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone 17 Pro. While Gurman predicts that the iPhone 17 Pro will look quite similar to its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Pro, there will be some noticeable changes under the hood. According to Gurman, the front of the iPhone 17 will resemble the iPhone 16, but the rear camera will sit on a “new panel that spans the width of the phone.†The iPhone 17 Pro is not expected to introduce a radical new design. Instead, the back of the phone will maintain a uniform color, eliminating the two-toned design seen in previous models. “The iPhone 17 Pro isn’t a major departure from current models,†Gurman says. This signals that Apple is taking a more incremental approach with the iPhone 17, focusing on performance improvements rather than sweeping design changes.Key Features to Expect in the iPhone 17 Lineup
Even though the iPhone 17 Pro may not feature a drastic design overhaul, there will likely be several under-the-hood improvements. The iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone 17 Air, is expected to hit the market in September, as is typical for Apple’s annual release cycle. As always, rumors about new features continue to swirl, and while design may be familiar, performance upgrades could make the iPhone 17 series one of the best in the lineup.