Apple’s Bold New iPhone Roadmap: Ultra-Thin, Foldable, and a 20th Anniversary “Curve”

Apple’s Bold New iPhone Roadmap: Ultra-Thin, Foldable, and a 20th Anniversary “Curve”

For years, the iPhone has seen careful refinements rather than bold reinventions. But according to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is about to flip that script with a three-year cycle of major iPhone redesigns that could shake up the lineup in a big way.

Here’s what the roadmap looks like:

2025: The Ultra-Thin iPhone Air

This fall, Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone Air, an ultra-thin model that replaces the Plus version. To get that ultra-slim profile, Apple is making some trade-offs:

  • Single rear camera instead of dual.

  • eSIM-only support (no physical SIM slot).

  • Shorter battery life compared to thicker models.

But it won’t just be about looks. The Air will reportedly debut Apple’s first in-house modem chip, a move that could help Apple reduce reliance on Qualcomm in the long run.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro models will bring their own visual refresh, including a new horizontal camera bar and a rumored orange finish.

2026: Apple’s First Foldable iPhone

The real “game changer” is scheduled for 2026: Apple’s long-awaited foldable iPhone (codenamed V68).

  • Book-style design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold.

  • Four cameras (front, inside, and dual rear).

  • Touch ID instead of Face ID, likely due to sensor limitations under the foldable screen.

  • No SIM card slot — eSIM-only, like the iPhone Air.

Early reports also suggest Apple has shifted to an in-cell touch screen (instead of on-cell) to reduce the crease effect and improve touch response. Only black and white colorways are being tested so far.

2027: The iPhone 20 — A 20th Anniversary Flagship

The cycle culminates in 2027, coinciding with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary. This device — internally dubbed the iPhone 20 — could finally break from the flat-edged design we’ve had since 2020.

Instead, expect:

  • Curved glass edges all around.

  • A seamless design that complements Apple’s new Liquid Glass-inspired iOS interface, which launches this year.

  • A true celebratory model, marking two decades since the very first iPhone.

Why This Matters

Apple’s iPhones are already top-tier devices, but as Gurman points out, many people are holding onto their older models because the newer ones don’t feel like a big leap. By spreading out major redesigns every three years, Apple seems to be creating big “must-upgrade” moments while keeping a steady stream of yearly improvements.

If Gurman’s roadmap holds true, the next three years could be some of the most exciting in iPhone history.

What do you think? Would you trade battery life for the ultra-thin iPhone Air? Or are you holding out for the foldable — or maybe the curved-glass anniversary iPhone?

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