Apple plans to update the iPhone design every year until 2027

Apple is gearing up for the most sweeping redesign of its iPhone lineup in years. According to a new leak from China, starting with the iPhone 17, the company plans to make major changes to the smartphone design every year until at least 2027.

iPhone 17 Pro: new camera module and possible two-color body

The first step will be a camera redesign in the iPhone 17 series, especially in the Pro models. The rear camera module will become wider and take up most of the body. The lenses will remain on the left, but the flash, microphone and LiDAR sensor could move to the right. There are rumors of a possible two-tone back design, but sources contradict each other, with some saying it will be there and others saying it won’t.

iPhone 18: farewell to Dynamic Island and a front camera in the form of a “dot”

The next redesign is scheduled for 2026. According to a Digital Chat Station insider, Apple will remove Dynamic Island’s distinctive oval cutout in the iPhone 18 series, replacing it with a minimalistic front camera hole.

What’s going to happen with Face ID? The iPhone 18 is rumored to debut an under-screen version of Face ID, which will allow the facial recognition system to be completely hidden beneath the display. The technology has been discussed for years, and if the information is confirmed, 2026 will be its first appearance in a mainstream Apple product.

iPhone 19: the first fully frameless iPhone with an under-screen camera

The most ambitious changes are planned for 2027, according to an insider. With the iPhone 19, Apple plans to remove the notch entirely, with the front camera and Face ID going under the screen, making it a true frameless device.

The iPhone 19 will be the first fully frameless iPhone with an under-screen camera.

The market has long been waiting for a notchless iPhone, but until now Apple hasn’t given an exact timeline. Now, if the leak is true, the company is targeting 2027. However, the implementation of sub-screen cameras is still a challenge: Android brands like RedMagic have been experimenting with this technology for several years, but the quality of photos is still inferior to classic solutions. Even if Apple manages to implement such a camera in the iPhone 19, it may have to make some compromises.

Revolution or risk?

The annual redesign is a step Apple is deciding to take for the first time in years. Previously, the company updated the look of the iPhone every 2-3 years, but now it’s going to surprise users every year. Whether Apple will be able to maintain quality and reliability at this rate of change remains to be seen.

The Apple plans to update the iPhone’s design every year through 2027 was first published on ITZine.ru.