Apple is developing a "bold" new glass-focused iPhone design for 2027 that could finally bring former Apple design chief Jony Ive's vision of an all-glass device to life, according to a new report.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has revealed that Apple is preparing a "major shake-up" for the iPhone's 20th anniversary, with plans to launch a new high-end iPhone model that would make more extensive use of glass throughout the device.
The design direction sounds reminiscent of Ive's long-documented ambition to create an iPhone made from a single continuous piece of glass – a vision he had in mind while leading Apple's design team before his departure in 2019.
However, transitioning to a predominantly glass design would present pretty big engineering challenges. Unlike the current models that use glass primarily for the front display and back panel, an all-glass or mostly-glass iPhone would face significant durability concerns. Everyday bumps, drops, and pocket scratches could potentially make such a device impractical without major materials innovation.
Apple would need to develop or source specialized glass composites far stronger than current Ceramic Shield technology. The company might explore options like ultra-strong laminated structures, innovative glass-metal fusion techniques, or entirely new material composites to create a glass exterior that can withstand real-world use.
The internal components pose another challenge, as glass is a poor conductor of heat compared to metal. Apple's engineers would need to solve thermal management issues to prevent performance throttling and battery degradation in a design with minimal metal elements.
According to Gurman, this glassy Pro model will be accompanied in 2027 by a foldable iPhone variant, suggesting Apple is exploring multiple design directions for its milestone 20th anniversary release.
The anniversary will mark ten years since Apple's last major design overhaul with the iPhone X, which eliminated the Home button in favor of Face ID and introduced the edge-to-edge display with its distinctive notch.
While Apple's current numerical sequence would put the 2027 lineup at "iPhone 19," the company may opt for an "iPhone 20" designation to highlight the anniversary milestone, similar to how it jumped from iPhone 8 to "X" (ten) for the 10th anniversary release.
Given that the device is still years away, Apple's specific plans could change as the company tests various prototypes and assesses technical feasibility for the mass production of such an ambitious design.
