Apple isn't playing games; it's planning for the distant future with the finesse of a chess player. The company appears to be currently in the midst of an ambitious "three-year plan" aimed at redefining the form and essence of the iPhone as we know it. According to renowned leaker Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, this plan isn't just about routine annual updates, but a complete overhaul of the design and technological identity of the world's most popular device, spearheaded by John Ternos, the man many see as Tim Cook's likely successor as CEO.
The journey begins: iPhone 17 and the slim Air version
The plan has already begun with the laying of the foundation stone in September 2025 with the launch of the iPhone 17 family. Apple decided to change the rules of the game by introducing a completely new design for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models, where aluminum was used in the structure with a “plateau” design that houses the three rear cameras, in addition to the back glass reinforced with Ceramic Shield dedicated to MagSafe accessories.
But the real star was the iPhone 17 Air, which proved that thinness isn't just a number; it's an engineering challenge that Apple successfully met, making it the thinnest iPhone in history. This move towards thinness and structural change paves the way for what's to come, as Apple seems intent on eliminating all unnecessary elements to deliver a pure visual experience.
2026: The year the iPhone will finally be discontinued
If you think foldable phones are just a passing fad, Apple has a different opinion. Predictions suggest that September 2026 will see the birth of the first foldable iPhone, which will open like a book to reveal a massive 7.7-inch internal screen and a 5.3-inch external screen. This device won't just be a phone that folds; it will be like a mini iPad in your pocket.
Apple is working on iOS 27 to support features exclusive to this device, including the ability to run apps side-by-side and the multitasking capabilities we've come to expect from iPadOS. While reports indicate that Apple is trying to minimize screen creases as much as possible, it's focusing more on performance. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts the device will come with dual rear cameras and a power button that supports Touch ID fingerprint recognition instead of Face ID.
2027: The 20th Anniversary and Flawless Design
In 2027, Apple will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first iPhone, and the celebration is expected to be exceptional with the release of a "dream" version. Apple aims to achieve the ideal design with this model: a single, seamless piece of curved glass, without any notches or cutouts in the screen. The dream lies in placing the front camera and sensors entirely under the display.
Realizing this ambitious design would mean Apple has finally reached its long-sought goal: a device that is essentially a "screen only" in your hand. And thanks to the company's recent astonishing financial figures—with iPhone revenue alone reaching $85.2 billion in a single quarter—it seems Apple has all the resources to turn these dreams into reality and maintain the momentum that Tim Cook describes as "astonishing."
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