Apple’s Bold New Vision: A Curved, All-Glass iPhone for 20th Anniversary

Apple’s iPhones have maintained a familiar design for years, but a radical shift is reportedly in the works. According to insider Mark Gurman, the tech giant is developing a “mostly glass, curved iPhone” without notches or camera cutouts, set to debut in 2027—20 years after the original iPhone launched. This device could redefine smartphone design, featuring seamless displays and a futuristic form factor.

The original iPhone, released in 2007, introduced a 3.5-inch screen and revolutionized mobile tech. Apple aims to mark its 20th anniversary with another groundbreaking design.

A Curved, Notch-Free Design
Gurman’s report highlights a sleek, curved device with displays wrapping around the edges, eliminating the need for notches or punch-hole cameras. This design aligns with a 2021 Apple patent for an iPhone with a “single slab of glass,” featuring touch-sensitive edges and screens on both sides. The innovation could enable dual-screen functionality or a 360-degree display experience.

2027: A “Product Renaissance”
Gurman calls 2027 a “monumental year” for Apple, with multiple launches planned:

• Foldable iPhone: Competing with Samsung and Huawei, Apple’s foldable aims to minimize the visible crease—a common issue in foldables.
• Smart Glasses: Similar to Meta’s Ray-Bans, these glasses may integrate AI and augmented reality.
• Hybrid iPad/Mac: A touchscreen foldable device blending tablet and laptop functionality (expected by 2028).

A concept of Apple’s curved iPhone by Tech Designs.

Jony Ive’s Legacy
Former Apple design chief Jony Ive, known for iconic products like the iMac and iPod, reportedly envisioned an all-glass iPhone years ago. His influence persists in Apple’s patents and architecture, like the glass-heavy Apple Park HQ. Though Ive left Apple in 2019, his design philosophy continues to inspire the company’s bold experiments.

What’s Next Before 2027
Before the 2027 overhaul, Apple will release the iPhone 17 (2025) and 18 (2026). Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 may adopt a slimmer “Air” model and rectangular camera bars akin to Google Pixels. Portless, MagSafe-only iPhones are also under consideration.

Recent Apple releases, like the iPhone 16, focus on incremental updates ahead of 2027’s radical changes.

Challenges and Competition
Apple faces pressure to innovate as iPhone sales dip. Competitors like Samsung and Huawei already offer foldables, pushing Apple to refine its approach. Gurman notes that Apple’s foldable must balance durability with “nearly invisible” creases to stand out.

Key Apple Innovations Through the Years

• 2007: First iPhone
• 2010: iPad debut
• 2014: Apple Watch
• 2017: iPhone X (edge-to-edge display)
• 2024: Apple Intelligence (AI features)

Jony Ive (left) and Tim Cook at a 2018 event. Ive’s design ethos may shape Apple’s future.

The Future of Glass
Apple’s all-glass iPhone could transform how users interact with devices, turning the entire surface into a dynamic display. While technical challenges remain—like durability and battery placement—the 2027 anniversary offers a symbolic moment to reignite consumer excitement.

As Apple experiments with curved screens, foldables, and AI-driven wearables, the next few years could redefine its legacy—and the smartphone industry.