Apple’s iPhone Evolution: Air in 2025, Foldable in 2026, Curved-Glass Anniversary Model in 2027
Apple is preparing one of the boldest transformations in the history of the iPhone. According to multiple reports from industry insiders, the company is working on a three-year roadmap that will reshape its smartphone lineup and push design boundaries further than ever before.
The plan includes the launch of a new “iPhone Air” in 2025, a foldable iPhone codenamed V68 in 2026, and a curved-glass anniversary iPhone in 2027 to mark the product’s 20th birthday.
This article explores everything we know so far, the design philosophies behind these changes, and what they mean for the smartphone industry.
2025 – The Return of Minimalism with iPhone Air
Apple is reportedly planning to revive the “Air” branding with a brand-new iPhone in 2025, called the iPhone Air. This device will emphasize lightness, thinness, and elegance rather than raw hardware power.
Design and Build
The iPhone Air is expected to be the slimmest iPhone ever built, with sources suggesting a profile as thin as 5.5 mm. By comparison, today’s iPhones measure around 7.8 mm thick. The Air will likely feature a 6.6-inch OLED display and a single 48MP rear camera, catering to everyday photography without the bulky triple-lens system.
Apple’s goal is to create a device that feels more like a fashion accessory than a heavy piece of technology. Minimalism, portability, and comfort are expected to be the key design philosophies.
Position in Lineup
The iPhone Air is expected to replace the “Plus” model in Apple’s lineup. Instead of having a heavy mid-tier model, Apple will appeal to customers who value thinness and simplicity over having the biggest battery or the most cameras.
Technology Inside
Though slim, the iPhone Air won’t compromise on performance. It is rumored to feature the A19 Bionic chip, Apple’s upcoming processor designed for efficiency. Battery capacity will be smaller due to the thinner build, but new optimizations in iOS and Apple Silicon could balance this limitation.
Apple may also introduce new heat dissipation technology to prevent overheating in such a slim device.
2026 – Apple’s First Foldable iPhone (Code-named V68)
In 2026, Apple is expected to enter a new product category: foldable smartphones. While companies like Samsung, Huawei, and Oppo have already experimented in this field, Apple has remained cautious.
Now, reports suggest Apple is finally ready with its first foldable iPhone, codenamed V68.
Design and Functionality
Unlike some competitors that use clamshell-style folding, Apple is expected to go with a book-style fold, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold series. The phone may unfold into a tablet-like display, offering users both portability and expanded screen real estate.
The V68 is rumored to include:
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Four cameras – two rear lenses, one front-facing selfie camera, and one interior camera.
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Touch ID under the display instead of Face ID, to solve challenges with foldable sensors.
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A reinforced hinge system designed to last for hundreds of thousands of folds.
Challenges Apple Must Overcome
Foldable devices face several common issues: screen durability, hinge strength, and crease visibility. Apple is known for entering markets late but with a more polished product. Analysts believe Apple will not release the V68 until these problems are solved, meaning the device could feature a virtually crease-free display.
Pricing and Market Impact
Foldable phones are typically expensive, with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold priced at $1,800–$2,000. Apple’s foldable is expected to start at around $2,000–$2,500, making it one of the most premium iPhones ever.
Despite the high cost, Apple’s entry could revolutionize the foldable market by making it mainstream. Millions of loyal Apple customers who have never considered foldables may finally adopt the format.
2027 – A Curved-Glass iPhone for the 20th Anniversary
The year 2027 marks a historic milestone: 20 years since the launch of the original iPhone in 2007. To celebrate, Apple is reportedly developing a special anniversary edition iPhone with a radical new design.
Design Concept
The 20th Anniversary iPhone is expected to feature a fully curved glass body with no flat edges, bezels, or visible cutouts. The phone will look like a single piece of liquid glass, blending seamlessly from front to back.
Rumors suggest the device will include:
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Under-display cameras for both Face ID and selfies.
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No buttons, relying entirely on gestures and haptics.
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A next-generation “Liquid Glass UI”, a redesigned iOS experience that matches the curved physical design.
Symbolism
This model is not just about aesthetics—it represents the culmination of Apple’s design journey over two decades. From the flat aluminum of the original iPhone, to the rounded edges of the iPhone 6, to the squared industrial look of the iPhone 12–15 series, Apple may now move into a completely fluid, futuristic design language.
Why Apple is Making These Changes
Apple’s decision to drastically revamp its iPhone lineup is influenced by several factors:
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Market Saturation – Smartphone sales are slowing worldwide. Apple needs fresh innovations to excite customers.
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Competition – Samsung and other Android makers have been pushing foldables and experimental designs. Apple cannot afford to be left behind.
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Anniversary Branding – The iPhone’s 20th anniversary offers a unique marketing opportunity to launch something groundbreaking.
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Consumer Trends – Many users now want slimmer, lighter devices, while others want large foldable screens. Apple is targeting both segments.
Industry Reactions
Industry analysts have mixed views on Apple’s roadmap.
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Some believe the iPhone Air could be a hit with casual users, especially those tired of heavy devices.
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The foldable iPhone is seen as a risk due to its premium pricing, but if any company can normalize foldables, it’s Apple.
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The 20th Anniversary Curved iPhone is viewed as a design statement more than a mass-market product, but one that will strengthen Apple’s luxury branding.
Conclusion
Apple is preparing to reinvent the iPhone experience across three years:
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2025: iPhone Air – Thin, light, minimal.
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2026: iPhone Fold (V68) – Flexible, powerful, futuristic.
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2027: Curved-Glass Anniversary Edition – Symbolic, immersive, timeless.
With these devices, Apple is signaling that the iPhone is not just a phone, but a constantly evolving cultural icon.
As the smartphone industry enters its third decade, Apple’s bold roadmap could once again redefine what consumers expect from a mobile device—just as it did in 2007.
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