Apple said to save major iPhone redesign for 2027 20th anniversary

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected in September 2026, will retain a similar design to current models, according to reports. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple is following a strategy akin to the 2017 iPhone X launch, saving its biggest overhaul for the iPhone's 20th anniversary in 2027.

The 2027 model is rumoured to feature an all-glass design with a cutout-free display, under-screen Face ID and camera, solid-state haptic buttons, and a new camera sensor with 20 stops of dynamic range. However, some reports note engineering challenges, including potential display distortion at curved edges, may delay full refinement until 2028.

Forrester analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee called the strategy a double-edged sword, warning that announcing a radical redesign two years in advance could slow upgrades further, especially as Apple Intelligence has not yet delivered a compelling reason to upgrade. He said some customers may opt for cheaper models now and wait until 2027.