Apple could release an “all-glass” iPhone in 2027

The company is preparing an unusual design for the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. The iPhone will turn 20 years old in 2027 – and it looks like Apple is going to mark the anniversary with the launch of a radically redesigned smartphone. According to Bloomberg, the company is developing a iPhone with a curved body made almost entirely of glass, no cutouts in the display, and the thinnest possible bezels.

This was reported by analyst Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter. He described the new product as a “mostly glass, curved iPhone” that will appear as part of a major product release in 2027.

With no bezels, no cutouts – and almost no metal?”

Following Bloomberg’s information, The Information also confirmed that at least one of the 2027 iPhone models will get a front-facing camera below the screen. This will enable a true edge-to-edge display -without Dynamic Island, bangs, or other cutouts.

Back in late 2023, Korean publication The Elec wrote that Apple was working with display suppliers to create a fully frameless iPhone. But in doing so the company is not looking to copy «waterfall» screens like Samsung’s or Vivo’s. Gurman emphasizes this as well: it’s more about a glass-encased design rather than a rounded display.

What it might look like

Apple already has patents describing all-glass devices. One such document, published in 2019, describes a smartphone that glass “forms a continuous loop” around the device. And the screen could be on the front as well as the side edges.

There’s no confirmation yet on whether this particular approach will be used. However, current iPhones are already close to such a concept: the iPhone 15 Pro has the bulk of its body as glass, with the exception of a titanium-metal frame. In the 2027 version, Apple might do away with the outer metal entirely, leaving it only on the inside of the design.

Why it matters

Apple’s anniversary products tend to be important milestones. The iPhone X, released for the iPhone’s 10th anniversary, was the first without a Home button and with Face ID. iPhone 2027 will likely be positioned as another step forward – and a symbol of a new design milestone.

With Apple’s ambitions for AR/VR, artificial intelligence, and custom displays, it’s the anniversary smartphone that could be the platform for new technology solutions – both visually and functionally.

The Apple could release an “all-glass” iPhone in 2027 was first published on ITZine.ru.