Apple’s 20th-anniversary iPhone redesign is reportedly still on schedule, according to a new report that directly contradicts earlier claims of cancellation. The company is said to be moving forward with a refreshed design for its Pro models next year, featuring a distinctive glassy appearance that curves into the sides of the devices, with a metal band in the middle. The news comes after an analyst firm suggested that Apple had scrapped the much-rumored all-glass iPhone due to production difficulties.
The report, citing people familiar with the matter, states that Apple “expects to launch iPhone Pro models next year that will make use of a new glassy look.” The internal codes for these devices are said to be V73 and V74, and the design uses glass on both the front and back, with the material curving seamlessly into the frame. A metal band in the middle serves as a structural element, likely housing antennas and other components. This approach is less radical than a fully glass-enclosed iPhone, but it still represents a significant visual and tactile departure from the flat-edged designs introduced with the iPhone 12 lineup.
The report also acknowledges that the project has evolved since its inception. A more ambitious version, championed by Apple’s design studio, would have used even more glass and less metal, but that concept was scrapped early in development. The problem, according to sources, was connecting the glass panels together. The design did not hold up when Apple had to figure out how to produce it at large volumes. This detail is crucial because it highlights the tension between Apple’s industrial design ambitions and the realities of mass manufacturing. Even the current, more conservative design reportedly underwent significant engineering work to ensure durability and manufacturability.
Earlier in the day, a widely followed analyst firm had downgraded Apple’s stock, citing supply chain checks that suggested the all-glass iPhone had been canceled due to poor production yields. The analyst, Edison Lee, described the cancellation as a “major setback” to Apple’s ability to introduce higher-priced iPhones, particularly amid rising memory costs. He argued that without a distinctive new design, Apple would find it harder to raise the average selling price and improve margins for its Pro models. As a result, the firm cut its price target for Apple from $285.56 to $263.66, following an earlier reduction from $308.92 on July 31, after Apple reported its fiscal Q3 2026 earnings and provided conservative guidance for the fourth quarter.
However, the new report directly contradicts that narrative, stating that “Apple’s product road map hasn’t changed.” This suggests that the analyst firm’s supply chain checks may have been based on incomplete or misleading information. It is not uncommon for supply chain reports to be inaccurate, as Apple often employs multiple suppliers and can shift production strategies without necessarily altering its long-term product plans. Moreover, Apple is known for secrecy, and even its own employees may not have full visibility into the entire roadmap.
The 20th anniversary of the iPhone holds special significance for Apple. The original iPhone was introduced by Steve Jobs in January 2007 and went on sale in June of that year. It fundamentally changed the smartphone industry and established Apple as a dominant force in consumer electronics. Over the past two decades, Apple has released numerous iPhone models, each building on the previous generation’s design and technology. Anniversary models have been a point of speculation among enthusiasts, with many expecting a major design overhaul to commemorate the milestone.
Apple’s design philosophy has always emphasized the seamless integration of materials. The company has experimented with various materials over the years, including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and glass. The iPhone 4 introduced the “glass sandwich” design, which was praised for its premium feel but criticized for fragility. Subsequent models moved to aluminum backs, then returned to glass with the iPhone 8 and later models to enable wireless charging. The current iPhone 15 and 16 series use a combination of aerospace-grade aluminum or titanium frames with ceramic shield front glass and textured matte glass backs.
An all-glass design has been a recurring rumor for years, but the engineering challenges are significant. Glass, while aesthetically pleasing, is prone to cracking and chipping. Making the entire body out of glass would require advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to ensure structural integrity. It would also complicate internal component placement, antenna performance, and repairability. Apple has filed patents for various glass-based devices, suggesting that the company has long been interested in this direction, but bringing such a product to market requires overcoming substantial hurdles.
The current reported design—glass front and back curving into the sides with a metal band in the middle—sounds like a hybrid approach. This could be compared to the iPhone 6 series, which had a curved glass front and back that met an aluminum frame. However, the difference is that the glass is said to curve into the sides, which would create a more fluid, continuous surface. This design would likely feel very different in the hand, eliminating the sharp edges that have been a hallmark of recent iPhone models. It would also allow for an edge-to-edge display that curves down at the sides, similar to what Samsung has used in its Galaxy Edge and curved-screen models, though Apple’s implementation would presumably be more refined.
There are also implications for durability. Curved glass can be more vulnerable to drops, as the curved edges are more exposed to impact. Apple has invested heavily in ceramic shield technology, which is manufactured by Corning and is said to be tougher than any other glass in a smartphone. The next generation of this material could be designed to accommodate curved geometries. Additionally, the metal band in the middle would provide some rigid support, potentially improving drop resistance compared to a fully glass design.
The report also highlights the financial context in which this design is being developed. Apple is facing rising component costs, particularly for memory chips. This has pressured the company’s margins and led it to raise prices across its product lineup. A new, premium design would give Apple a justification to charge higher prices, especially for its Pro models. The Pro line has become increasingly important to Apple’s revenue mix, as consumers are willing to spend more for advanced cameras, displays, and materials. A 20th-anniversary redesign could stimulate demand and help Apple maintain its pricing power.
In fiscal Q3 2026, Apple reported revenue that met analyst expectations, but its guidance for Q4 was cautious, reflecting economic uncertainty and potential supply chain disruptions. The company’s stock has been volatile, and the analyst downgrade added to the pressure. The new report could help stabilize sentiment if investors believe the anniversary redesign is still on track. However, it also emphasizes that the most ambitious version of the design was scrapped, which might be seen as a sign of Apple scaling back its vision to achieve production feasibility.
For consumers, the key takeaway is that the 20th-anniversary iPhone will likely look noticeably different from current models, but not as radically as some had hoped. The design will incorporate more glass than ever before, curving elegantly into the sides, but will still feature a metal frame. This approach balances innovation with practicality, ensuring that Apple can produce the devices at scale without sacrificing quality. It also allows the company to maintain or improve durability while delivering a fresh aesthetic.
The report does not specify all the features of the new models, but other rumors suggest that Apple is working on advanced under-display Face ID, improved battery technology, and new camera capabilities. The Pro models are expected to feature the latest A-series chips, possibly built on a more advanced process node, and may include enhanced AI processing for on-device intelligence. With iOS 26 expected to launch next year, software will likely highlight the new design through new interactions and visual effects.
Apple’s supply chain has always been a source of conflicting information. Analysts and reporters often rely on component orders, supplier comments, and insider leaks to predict future products, but these can be misleading. The recent contradictions between the analyst firm’s checks and the new report illustrate the difficulty of predicting Apple’s moves. Apple itself rarely confirms or denies rumors, and it has a track record of allowing misinformation to circulate to disguise its true plans.
Looking back at history, Apple has often reserved significant design changes for major milestones. The iPhone X, released for the 10th anniversary, introduced the notch, Face ID, and an edge-to-edge OLED display, setting the template for the next five years. If the 20th anniversary follows a similar pattern, the iPhone Pro models of 2027 could be just as transformative. The current report suggests that Apple is willing to take risks but also knows where to draw the line between ambition and practicality.
As the launch date approaches, more details are likely to emerge. Manufacturing processes will be refined, and Apple will begin producing prototype units for testing. If the design proves successful in trials, it will move into mass production. The company has likely already invested heavily in tooling and production lines, making a last-minute cancellation unlikely unless a critical flaw is discovered. The fact that the report insists the product road map hasn’t changed is a strong signal that the glassy redesign is real and imminent.
In terms of the broader market, a successful 20th-anniversary iPhone could give Apple a competitive edge over rivals like Samsung and Google. The Android market has been experimenting with curved designs and foldable form factors, but no device has yet matched the polish and ecosystem integration of Apple’s offerings. A new glassy look would instantly distinguish the next iPhone from previous models and from competitors, potentially driving a new super cycle of upgrades.
Ultimately, the report adds a strong counterpoint to earlier bearish analysis. It reassures investors and enthusiasts that Apple has a compelling new product on the horizon. While the all-glass dream was shelved, the resulting design is still likely to impress. The combination of glass and metal, with a seamless curve, could redefine what a premium smartphone looks and feels like. As the 20th anniversary approaches, all eyes will be on Apple to see how it honors the device that started it all.
Source:9to5Mac News