Apple's 20th anniversary iPhone set to redefine the lineup with 'bold' design

Apple is preparing a major design overhaul for its 20th anniversary iPhone, with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reporting that the company is aiming to make a bold leap in both design and hardware. Among the biggest changes in the works is a Pro model that could lean heavily into glass construction—potentially reviving the design vision former chief designer Jony Ive once championed.

Gurman notes that Apple is developing a “bold new Pro model” that will make more extensive use of glass than any iPhone before. While this raises concerns over durability, it signals a renewed focus on sleekness and visual unity—an approach Ive had long pushed for, particularly around the time of the iPhone X. If the design holds, this model could be the closest Apple has come to producing an iPhone that resembles a single, uninterrupted sheet of glass.

In parallel, Gurman reports that Apple is advancing work on its first foldable iPhone, a product that has been in development for years but has yet to surface. With the 20-year milestone approaching in 2026, the timing could be deliberate—Apple may finally be ready to enter the foldable space with a product that meets its rigorous design and usability standards.

This evolution builds on Apple’s current push toward thinner and lighter devices. The upcoming iPhone 17 Air, set to launch later this year, will reportedly introduce a significantly slimmer form factor. Gurman previously described that model as the first step in a broader transition toward ultra-thin iPhones across the lineup.

While full details on the 2026 iPhones remain under wraps, what’s clear from Gurman’s reporting is that Apple sees the anniversary as more than just a milestone—it’s an opportunity to reset expectations and rethink what the iPhone can be.