Apple is moving ahead with one of the most significant iPhone redesigns in the product's history, aiming to unveil new Pro models in 2027 to mark the 20th anniversary of the smartphone.
According to an exclusive report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the project remains on track despite claims by a Jefferies analyst that the concept had been abandoned.
Sources familiar with the plans told Bloomberg that Apple is continuing development of the anniversary models.
The devices are expected to feature glass covering both the front and rear surfaces, curving around the sides, while a metal strip will remain in the centre. According to Bloomberg, the two models are internally known by the codenames V73 and V74.
More ambitious design shelved
Apple's design team reportedly considered an even more radical concept that would have relied almost entirely on glass, with significantly less metal incorporated into the structure.
That version was abandoned at an early stage.
According to Bloomberg, engineers encountered difficulties joining different glass components together, while the design proved too challenging to manufacture on the scale of millions of devices.
Apple has nonetheless retained the core idea of creating an iPhone dominated by glass and visually distinct from current models.
A company spokesperson declined to comment on the report.
Dispute with Jefferies analyst
Bloomberg's report contradicts a recent assessment by Jefferies analyst Edison Lee, who had argued, based on supply-chain checks, that the glass-focused iPhone project had been cancelled.
Lee linked that claim to a downgrade of Apple's stock, arguing that the loss of such a high-profile product would make it more difficult for the company to drive demand for premium smartphones.
However, Bloomberg cited sources saying Apple's product roadmap remains unchanged.
Shares of Apple fell as much as 2.8 per cent in New York trading on Monday.
According to Bloomberg, major iPhone designs are typically finalised about a year before launch, suggesting that the 2027 models are already at an advanced testing stage and that their core design has largely been settled, although changes remain possible if technical issues arise.
iPhone remains Apple's biggest business
The redesign is particularly important for Apple because the iPhone continues to be its largest source of revenue, accounting for roughly half of the company's overall sales.
iPhone revenue rose 22 per cent in the latest quarter, outperforming growth across Apple's other business segments.
Before the anniversary model arrives, Apple is reportedly preparing another major change to the lineup.
Bloomberg says the company is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone next month, describing it as the biggest single change to the device's form factor so far.
The report also says the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature significant camera upgrades and a new dark red finish.
Next spring, Apple is expected to launch the standard iPhone 18, the lower-cost iPhone 18e, and a second-generation iPhone Air, which is expected to gain a second camera, a faster processor and improved battery life.
Beyond smartphones, Apple is also developing smart glasses, camera-equipped AirPods, and a range of new wearable and home devices built around artificial intelligence as part of a broader push into new product categories.
Source: Bloomberg
