Apple Plans Futuristic iPhone with Glass Body and Foldable Design for 2027 Anniversary

Apple is allegedly preparing for one of the most ambitious iPhone launches in its history. The year 2027 will not only mark the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone, which revolutionized the smartphone industry in 2007, but it could also see a major overhaul in the iPhone lineup. According to solid sources, Apple is set to launch a "mostly-glass" iPhone and potentially introduce its first foldable iPhone as part of its anniversary plans.

In this blog, we’ll explore the implications of this move, what the rumors say, how Apple could implement these futuristic designs, and what it means for the smartphone industry as a whole.

The 2027 iPhone

Apple's iPhone has witnessed drastic changes across the years from the original iPhone in 2007, to the App Store revolution in 2008, the Retina display in 2010, and the notch design with Face ID in 2017. With 2027 knocking on the door, Apple appears to be gearing up for another enormous leap.

Apple's 20th iPhone anniversary will probably be a symbolic day, and Cupertino giant is already said to have something revolutionary lined up to celebrate.

Mostly-Glass iPhone in 2027

By Mark Gurman's most recent Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, it seems Apple is taking a daring new path in smartphone design. Gurman, having established a high level of reliability in predicting future Apple product strategy, announces the tech giant will release a "mostly-glass, curved iPhone" by the year 2027. The precise details remain secret for now, but the idea hints at a sleekly futuristic design direction that could upend expectations on what we associate with iPhone appearance. This new model is reportedly sporting a seamless glass body with a completely curved form factor, doing away with display cutouts altogether. If it's true, this would represent a dramatic departure from conventional flat-screen aesthetics and notches, and Apple's ongoing commitment to minimalism and innovation. Based on Gurman's track record, these details are causing real excitement and buzz in the tech community.

What Does “Mostly Glass” Really Mean?

Currently, Apple’s iPhones, including the latest iPhone 15 Pro models, use glass on the front and back, with a titanium or aluminum frame. A "mostly-glass" phone suggests even further reduction in visible chassis, possibly even transparent or semi-transparent elements.

This opens the door to several possibilities:

• Glass chassis that blends seamlessly with the display

• Integrated glass buttons or haptic sensors beneath the surface

• Advanced cooling systems to replace traditional metal heat dissipation methods

Under-Display Camera and Zero Bezel Design

Gurman's report is suggestive of no cutout displays, suggesting use of under-display camera technology. Apple has stubbornly fought alterations such as punch-hole screens in the past, going with the now-trademarked notch and then Dynamic Island. Yet under-display camera technology has become more mature over the last couple of years, and Apple may be ready to integrate it in a polished consumer-ready iteration.

The zero-bezel screen is also on the table. Korean tech site The Elec reported that Apple is in talks with display suppliers to create just such a screen. But unlike Samsung and Vivo's curved edges, Apple apparently desires a flat zero-bezel screen, with durability and use experience being the priority.

Possible Inspirations from Apple’s Past Patents

The speculated design for the 2027 iPhone does not necessarily need to be innovative, but it could be an imaginative concept a few years down the road. Apple submitted a compelling patent all the way back in 2019 that involved a curved glass design with rounded edges flowing seamlessly back from the front screen hinting at an wraparound effect. This preceding idea may be the inspiration behind the next model, particularly if Apple chooses to utilize its own patented technology. If this is realized, we may see an iPhone with breathtaking 360-degree glass wraparound that feels more like a homogenous, complete object. Pick up a glittering crystal and hold it in your hand no visible buttons, no sharp corners just a shiny, unbroken surface. Apple may even embed sensors and buttons beneath the glass, making the minimalist aesthetic even more streamlined and providing a futuristic, immersive experience that obliterates the distinction between device and art.

Challenges of a Mostly-Glass Design

While stunning, a mostly-glass iPhone introduces several technical challenges:

1. Durability: Even with Ceramic Shield, glass remains more fragile than metal.

2. Thermal Management: Glass is a poor conductor of heat. Apple may need to innovate with internal cooling.

3. Weight and Ergonomics: A fully glass device may be heavier and harder to grip.

4. Signal Transmission: Glass is more signal-friendly than metal, which could benefit 5G/6G performance.

Nonetheless, Apple’s track record suggests it will find innovative solutions to these hurdles.

The Foldable iPhone

In addition to the glass iPhone, Mark Gurman reports that Apple will launch its first foldable iPhone in 2027. This comes after years of speculation and numerous patents hinting at foldable form factors.

What We Know About the Foldable iPhone

Throwing more weight behind the 2027 iPhone rumors, GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu has weighed in with his own analysis this time on Apple's much-awaited foldable phone. Based on Pu's report, Apple is working on a foldable iPhone with a generous 7.8-inch inner screen. That places the phone firmly in the phone-tablet hybrid space, head-on against foldables like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold lineup. Pu also reports that mass production of the model is set to start in late 2026, with an early 2027 possible release. Should these dates prove to be true, Apple might be preparing to launch a significant entry into the foldable realm, and the size of the display points toward a multitasking, media-binging-on-the-go, and productivity-driven strategy. It's a bold step, but one that has the potential to change the competitive dynamics if Apple applies its design and ecosystem prowess to the foldable category.

Apple’s Foldable Strategy

Apple's timing for entering the foldable smartphone space in 2027 is not coincidental actually, it fits perfectly with the company's long-term innovation strategy. Apple historically doesn't jump into new product spaces. Rather, it waits, watches, and perfects delivering refined, consumer-grade experiences that often set a new standard. We witnessed this playbook play out with the iPhone, which debuted years after Nokia and BlackBerry's early smartphones. The same trend continued with the Apple Watch, launched after fitness wearables such as Fitbit and Pebble had been successful. AirPods arrived after the first Bluetooth headphones, and the Vision Pro arrived much later after Oculus had established itself in the VR domain.

Therefore, why 2027 for a foldable iPhone? Apple will enjoy a more stable and mature foldable technology ecosystem by then. The screen panels will be more durable, hinge mechanisms will be more sophisticated, and problems such as creasing of the screen will probably be reduced enabling Apple to provide a foldable that is solid and dependable. Also, a 2027 release would be perfectly timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the first iPhone, making it not only a technological breakthrough but also a symbolic commemoration of two decades of innovation. Releasing both a next-gen glass iPhone and a foldable iPhone in the same year may be a marketing coup that puts Apple both as a leader of the past and a seer of the future.

What Form Factor Could Apple Choose?

Two likely options:

1. Vertical Fold (Clamshell) – Competes with Galaxy Z Flip, more compact

2. Horizontal Fold (Book-style) – Larger screen, productivity focused

Given the rumored 7.8-inch screen, Apple seems to be favoring the horizontal fold, likely with a secondary outer display.

Potential Features of Apple’s Foldable iPhone

While Apple has yet to officially announce any specifics, rumors are building around what features its very first foldable iPhone will have and if those rumors come to pass, it will be one of the most cutting-edge foldables available. Perhaps the most discussed prospect is the presence of an ultra-resilient foldable glass screen, bringing the flexibility together with the luxurious feel Apple is renowned for. There's also speculation regarding possible Apple Pencil compatibility, making the foldable iPhone a serious productivity and creativity powerhouse particularly if paired with a 7.8-inch display size.

On a software level, Apple could take cues from iPadOS to develop a strong multitasking user interface that lets users see a variety of apps running alongside each other as well as indulge in a more desktop-like experience. In order to provide effortless operation and longer use, greater battery efficiency will be essential, especially for a device with the display as big as this. Moreover, Apple may go an extra step ahead by implementing under-display technology for Face ID and the front-facing camera providing a seamless, uninterrupted screen without any notches or punch-holes. If these capabilities become a reality, Apple's foldable iPhone may establish a new standard of what foldable smartphones can provide.

Apple vs. Android Foldables

Apple's expected foray into the foldable smartphone space isn't merely a new product launch it's a potential industry game-changer. Android OEMs such as Samsung, Huawei, Honor, and Oppo have been experimenting with the foldable form factor for years with mixed success. While they've made encouraging progress, the same-old problems remain: obvious display creasing, spotty app optimization, and high price points that make these handsets inaccessible to most consumers.

When Apple intervenes, the stakes will escalate dramatically. For starters, Apple's mere involvement may legitimize foldables for the mass consumer and developer market. Just as the first iPhone did not create the smartphone but made it palatable and easy to use, a foldable iPhone may reset expectations for what this type of category should be. It would also force developers to put foldable-friendly interfaces first, which would expedite app optimization not only for iOS but the whole ecosystem of which Android is a part.

Additionally, the Apple threat might compel Android vendors to reconsider their pricing models. With Apple's strong brand, closed-loop software, and huge faithful customer base, the firm might corner the foldables segment in no time challenging competitors to cut prices, increase quality, and polish up offerings to remain in the game. In short, Apple's entry may well be the nudge the foldable segment requires to transition from niche to mass.

With 2027 being the 20th anniversary of the first iPhone, increasing speculation is that Apple will deviate from the norm and release a new naming convention to commemorate the milestone. Instead of continuing the anticipated numerical progression (such as iPhone 19 or iPhone 20 Pro), Apple may use a more symbolic or celebratory name something that reflects the heritage and promise of its greatest product. Names such as "iPhone 20" would explicitly recognize the anniversary milestone, while a stylized one such as "iPhone XX" with Roman numerals could impart it a futuristic, high-tech look.

But Apple could also use the chance to reboot the brand completely with a new name that marks a new beginning. Ideas such as "iPhone Vision" would complement Apple's overall vision-led product line (e.g., the Vision Pro) and imply innovation and visionary design. Another interesting potential is "iPhone One" a name that indicates a renaissance of the iPhone, just as the original revolutionized mobile technology. Finally, "iPhone Prologue" would be a poetic reference to a new era, implying that whatever comes next is only the beginning of a new direction. Whatever they call it, though, it's likely Apple would use it to imply that the 2027 iPhone is not just an improvement but a breakthrough moment in the phone's evolution.

If Apple really goes all-in on a dual launch of a largely-glass iPhone and a foldable iPhone in 2027, the ripple effects throughout the smartphone market could be enormous. For one, Apple has the ability to redefine what premium smartphone design looks and feels like. A smoothened, curved-glass iPhone might create a new gold standard for looks and build, and the foldable iPhone supported by Apple's reputation for polish and performance might raise the bar on user expectations for durability, seamless software experiences, and reliability over time.

Such innovative hardware would also affect display manufacturers throughout the supply chain. When Apple requires ultra-durable foldable glass or edge-to-edge curved panels with zero creases or cutouts, suppliers will be forced to innovate quicker and improve their own quality standards not only for Apple but for the whole industry as well.

Furthermore, Apple's entry into the foldables market can be the trigger for a second revolution, one that is not about folding screens but improving the experience with improved interfaces, enhanced multitasking, and innovative usage models. Above all, Apple's unparalleled skill to merge hardware and software harmoniously would force other players to achieve the same perhaps compelling Android OEMs to rewrite their design schools of thought, UI models, and even price points. In a nutshell, 2027 might witness the start of the next smartphone chapter in a whole new generation of phones, again pioneered by Apple.

Apple's 2027 plans may be the greatest jump in iPhone history since the first model was released in 2007. A futuristic glass-like iPhone and long-awaited foldable iPhone herald a new age of innovation, perfectly timed for the iPhone's 20th anniversary.

With leakers such as Mark Gurman and Jeff Pu indicating solid internal development, all indications are that 2027 will be an Apple year to remember.