As Apple prepares to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone in 2027, it plans to mark the occasion with a radical design overhaul and a name change. While the standard numbering scheme suggests the 2027 model will be the “iPhone 19,” industry analysts suggest Apple will make a splash, similar to the iPhone X launch.
Will History Repeat Its Own Name with the iPhone 20?
According to Omdia senior researcher Heo Moo-yeol, Apple will skip the first number and move directly to the iPhone 20 series. This strategy aims to generate excitement similar to the launch of the iPhone X, which ushered in a major design revolution on the series’ tenth anniversary, a trend that continues to this day.
The iPhone 20 series is expected to mark a new milestone in iPhone design. Previous reports indicate that the device will feature a bezel-less display panel, combined with curved lines to create a one-piece glass appearance when viewed from the front. This radical design appears poised to resonate significantly with the industry.
A new report suggests that Apple’s model strategy for next year (2026) may also be changing:
- 2026: Apple is expected to skip the standard iPhone 18 model and instead release the iPhone Air and iPhone Pro models alongside the highly anticipated iPhone Fold (the first foldable iPhone).
- A Two-Stage Launch in 2027: Apple will unveil the radically changed iPhone 20 series in two separate events.
- First Half of the Year: The standard iPhone 20 will be released alongside the more affordable iPhone 18e.
- Fall Event: Following this, the redesigned iPhone 20 Pro, Air, and Fold 2, which will feature top-of-the-line features, will be unveiled in a separate launch.
This plan demonstrates Apple’s intention to shift its product strategy throughout the year and offer models more focused on different user segments.
