In 2027, Apple is planning a "major overhaul" of the iPhone lineup, celebrating two decades since the first iPhone debuted.

According to previous reports by Gurman, Apple intends to introduce a foldable iPhone alongside a bold new iPhone Pro that incorporates even more glass into its design.

In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman revealed that these new iPhone models are "extremely complex," requiring "entirely new components and manufacturing techniques." Apple's long-established manufacturing hubs in China are best equipped to handle these technical challenges. The facilities there currently have the experience and infrastructure necessary to manage the advanced engineering expected for these anniversary models.

This report comes amid Apple’s broader efforts to diversify its manufacturing network. Last week, Financial Times reported that Apple plans to assemble all iPhones destined for the U.S. market in India by the end of 2026. This move is seen as a response to escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China and the latest rounds of tariffs introduced by the Trump administration.

However, shifting production of the complex 20th-anniversary iPhone models to India seems unlikely. Gurman noted that Apple has never launched a major new design outside China in its initial production cycle and that there are currently no indications this will change soon.

The rumored foldable iPhone is said to feature a book-like design, folding horizontally to reveal an interior display roughly the size of an iPad mini. Some reports suggest this device could be priced at $2,000 or more. Details about the anniversary iPhone remain limited, but it may showcase a full-screen design with hidden cameras beneath the display.

It remains unclear whether the front-facing camera or the TrueDepth system (which supports Face ID) will be concealed first. However, display analyst Ross Young indicated that under-display Face ID is planned for a 2026 launch.

If accurate, under-display Face ID could debut with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max next year. During this phase, the Dynamic Island would shrink but still exist to house a small selfie camera.

The next step in 2027 would involve moving the front camera entirely under the display, achieving a true full-screen design – a long-standing ambition for Apple. This roadmap aligns with predictions Ross Young made back in 2023.

If Apple wants to celebrate the iPhone’s 20th anniversary with a hardware leap similar to the iPhone X in 2017 - which removed the Home button and introduced Face ID within the top notch - a true full-screen design would certainly usher in a "new wave" of innovation.

As for the name, it remains uncertain whether Apple will continue its annual numbering sequence (making it iPhone 19 in 2027) or opt for a commemorative name like "iPhone 20," similar to how the company launched the iPhone 8 and iPhone X simultaneously in 2017.

Either way, a full-glass, full-screen iPhone would be a fitting tribute to two decades of Apple's most iconic product.

Hai Phong