I’m not convinced the 20th anniversary iPhone will be what we think, here’s why

Next year, the iPhone will be turning 20 years old and Apple is rumored to be developing a groundbreaking design to celebrate the milestone. Many have expected this to be in the form of a new iPhone 19 Pro, possibly labeled as iPhone 20 to coincide with the anniversary. However, there is one key reason to believe that this may not be the case.

The anticipated 20th anniversary iPhone is said to adopt Jony Ive's original vision of a single piece of glass, stretching from display to edge, curving around the sides. It is expected to feature a 7-inch display, making it slightly larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, a result of the elimination of bezels. Additionally, the phone may introduce under-display Face ID and camera technology, eliminating the Dynamic Island pill.

While the prospect of such a phone is exciting, the author does not fully believe it will be a direct successor to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro, as previously speculated. The iPhone 17 Pro was designed with a focus on practicality, featuring an all-aluminum construction to improve thermal performance, and a thicker frame compared to its predecessors.

This shift marked a move away from the flashy, premium image of Pro iPhones, alongside the introduction of the iPhone Air, an ultra-thin and premium device still built primarily with glass and titanium. Given this trend, it seems unlikely that Apple would revert to making Pro iPhones primarily from glass, considering the thermal drawbacks.

Currently, the iPhone lineup includes the iPhone Air 2, set to debut early in 2027, featuring a second camera. After that, the trajectory for the iPhone Air is uncertain. While the author could be mistaken, it seems more probable that the iPhones in the fall 2027-spring 2028 lineup will replace the iPhone Air, with the 20th anniversary iPhone taking the place of the iPhone Air.

This move would be reminiscent of the 2017 lineup, where the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were new additions, while the iPhone X stood at the top of the lineup for those seeking a visually striking device. The rumors currently favor the replacement of the iPhone Pro, but with over a year separating the current rumors and the phone's debut, the situation could change.

If the iPhone 20 is indeed set to replace the Pro iPhones, there is a possibility that Apple might retain the 18 Pros for an additional generation. The author remains skeptical about Apple abandoning its pro-first design so early. Of course, the iPhone 20 is still over a year away, and it remains possible that the rumors may be exaggerated.

If the final product is less radical than anticipated, then it could still make sense for the iPhone 20 to replace both Pro iPhones. The author invites readers to share their thoughts on the 20th anniversary iPhone rumors and whether they believe it is a good idea to replace the current iPhone Pro design.