Apple may be preparing a major design change for its 20th-anniversary iPhone in 2027. Despite recent reports claiming that the project had been cancelled, a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that the Apple iPhone 20 Pro redesign is still moving forward. However, the final design may be different from Apple’s original plan.
The anniversary iPhone is expected to bring a fresh look to Apple’s premium smartphone range. While the company has not officially confirmed the device, early reports suggest that its design could be one of the biggest changes in years.
Apple Has Not Abandoned the Anniversary iPhone
Recent claims from Jefferies analyst Edison Lee suggested that Apple had dropped its plans for an all-glass iPhone in 2027. The report also affected market sentiment, raising questions about Apple’s future design plans.
However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman offered a different view on August 11, 2026. According to his sources, Apple did abandon an early version of the design, but the broader anniversary iPhone project remains active.
The difference is important. Apple may have changed its approach rather than cancelled the entire project. This means the company could still introduce a redesigned iPhone in September 2027, as expected.
A Glass Design With a Metal Frame
Apple’s original idea reportedly involved a phone built mainly from two glass panels. However, this design created problems for mass production and was not practical enough to move forward.
The company is now said to be exploring a revised design that uses a metal frame in the centre. Curved glass panels would be attached to the front and back, giving the phone a smooth and modern appearance.
Two reported prototypes, named V73 and V74, are also mentioned in the report. They are believed to be related to Apple’s future Pro models, although their exact connection to the final anniversary phone remains unclear.
| Design Feature | Original Concept | Revised Concept |
|---|---|---|
| Main structure | Mostly two glass panels | Central metal frame |
| Front and back | Glass panels | Curved glass panels |
| Production | Reportedly faced challenges | Potentially more practical |
| Launch status | Original design dropped | Redesign reportedly continues |
Why Did the Cancellation Rumour Start?
Apple typically tests and validates new iPhone designs well before mass production. According to Gurman’s explanation, the Jefferies analyst may have looked for evidence of an all-glass iPhone in Apple’s supply chain and found none.
That absence may have led to the conclusion that the entire project was cancelled. However, if Apple had already moved to a different design, the original components might no longer have appeared in the supply chain.
This shows why early smartphone leaks can sometimes be misleading. A change in design does not always mean a product has been abandoned.
What Will Apple Call Its 2027 iPhone?
The final name is still uncertain. Apple could choose a name such as iPhone 20 Pro, iPhone XX, or possibly iPhone 19 Pro. No official name has been confirmed.
For now, the main takeaway is that Apple’s anniversary iPhone may still arrive in 2027, but its design could be less ambitious than the original all-glass concept.
Readers following Apple’s future devices can also explore our coverage of upcoming iPhone models, iPhone design rumours, and the latest Apple technology updates for more news as it develops.
