Apple is preparing for a significant redesign in 2024, marking the 20th anniversary of the iPhone.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company plans a "major shake-up" that includes a foldable iPhone and a radically new Pro model that incorporates more glass in its construction.
Nod to Jony Ive’s vision
The bold redesign of the iPhone 19 Pro is expected to fulfill a vision long championed by Jony Ive, the former Chief Design Officer of Apple. 'I've always envisioned an iPhone that would “appear like a single sheet of glass,” a concept that was somewhat realized with the iPhone X. The upcoming anniversary iPhone model could finally bring this idea to life, as Apple aims to make the phone ultra-thin while incorporating a more glass-heavy design.'
Shift to ultra-thin iPhones
This major change follows the anticipated release of the iPhone 17 Air later this year, which will set the stage for a thinner iPhone lineup in the future. Gurman reports that Apple is planning to take this even further, with future iPhones becoming even more sleek and glass-dominant.
While Gurman doesn’t provide further details, the design shift seems to suggest that Apple is taking risks with both durability and repairability, all in the name of celebrating two decades of iPhone innovation. Fans can anticipate a device that simultaneously honours previous design principles and expands the potential of the iPhone.
As for the specifics of the iPhone 19 Pro design, we’ll have to wait and see how Apple plans to balance aesthetic beauty with practicality. The move towards a glass-heavy and ultra-thin device might excite some, but it could raise concerns about the durability of the phone in real-world use. Nevertheless, Apple is planning something truly special to commemorate the iPhone’s 20-year milestone.