In just two years, Apple is expected to unveil a groundbreaking iPhone model to celebrate its 20th anniversary - an ambitious product that could redefine the future of smartphones and potentially revive the industry’s excitement.

The journey of the iPhone has been filled with highs and lows, often mocked by rivals in its early days. Yet over the years, it has evolved into one of the most recognizable tech brands on the planet.

Now, it seems Apple is closer than ever to achieving the original vision Steve Jobs dreamed of back in 2007. Due to technological limitations at the time, Jobs introduced the best possible product he could - what became the very first iPhone, 18 years ago. In 2027, for the 20th anniversary, Apple is reportedly working hard to release a model worthy of the milestone.

Expected to be called the iPhone 20 or potentially debuting with an entirely new name, the device is rumored to be Apple’s most perfect creation to date. If the hype proves accurate, it could even tempt Android loyalists to switch - at least until Samsung or Google counters with a rival innovation, as is the rhythm of the smartphone world.

A stunning all-glass iPhone

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter, Apple is developing a completely new iPhone design for 2027. This could finally bring Steve Jobs’ original concept to life: an iPhone with no ports and no physical buttons.

Jobs once envisioned a device that was purely touchscreen-based - free of cables or connectors. Over the years, smartphones have slowly stripped away these elements. Now, that vision is not only possible - it’s within reach.

The iPhone 20 is said to feature only wireless charging, support exclusively Bluetooth headphones, and boast a flawless display with no notches, holes, or bezels. There are even leaks suggesting a larger, more efficient battery.

Apple is reportedly aiming to integrate an under-display front camera, allowing the entire front of the phone to become one continuous sheet of uninterrupted glass.

If successful, the iPhone 20 could represent the ultimate smartphone design.

Can Apple actually pull it off?

To be fair, Apple has stumbled in recent years. Buggy software updates and disappointing new features have drawn criticism. Most notably, Apple Intelligence - the supposed crown jewel of the iPhone 16 - has failed to deliver, falling behind the AI offerings of Samsung and Google.

This, understandably, has left many users hesitant to put their full faith in the iPhone 20 just yet.

Further casting doubt is Apple’s recent track record with new initiatives. The company's self-driving car project was scrapped, and its venture into home robotics - including a smart hub and an iPad-based robot - has been shelved due to AI development issues. Meanwhile, sales of Apple’s first XR product, the Apple Vision Pro, have been sluggish, damaging the company’s momentum in extended reality tech.

There’s also the added complication of current tariff and trade policy challenges, which could complicate the production and pricing of future iPhone models.

Still, despite setbacks, Apple fans remain hopeful. If the iPhone 20 does live up to expectations, it could not only mark the return of a truly revolutionary Apple product, but also signal a new era of smartphone innovation.

Hai Phong