Apple initiates three-year iPhone redesign strategy featuring foldables and aluminum chassis models

Apple is pursuing a multi-year iPhone redesign roadmap that runs from September 2025 through 2027, according to a report published this week. The strategy is described as a three-year effort to materially change both the iPhone’s look and how people use it, with updates to the device’s form factor and user experience planned across successive launches.

 

The first step in the plan began in September 2025, when Apple introduced redesigned iPhone 17 Pro models. The repoSources said these devices moved to an aluminum chassis and adopted a new camera housing, alongside a Ceramic Shield glass area intended for MagSafe. At the same time, Apple also rolled out the iPhone Air, which was highlighted for its thin design.

 

The next stage is expected in September 2026 with the debut of a foldable iPhone. The report described a book-style fold, with a 7.7-inch inner screen and a 5.3-inch outer screen. It also said the device would include iOS 27 changes designed to enable side-by-side apps and multitasking that resembles iPadOS.

 

The roadmap’s final milestone is projected for September 2027, when Apple is expected to mark the iPhone’s 20th anniversary with a special model. Early indications cited in the report point to a seamless design approach, including a curved glass enclosure and an under-display front camera.

 

Apple’s leadership is said to be prioritizing this product strategy, including hardware engineering chief John Ternus. The report frames the redesign cycle as a coordinated effort rather than isolated annual updates, with each year’s launch positioned as a distinct step toward a broader shift in the iPhone lineup.

 

Financially, the iPhone remains central to Apple’s results. Apple reported record iPhone revenue of $85.2 billion in the last quarter, within total company revenue of $143.8 billion. Those figures underscore why changes to the iPhone’s design and capabilities can carry outsized importance for Apple’s overall performance and for market participants tracking consumer electronics demand.

 

Several elements of the plan remain uncertain because the report describes expectations and early indications for future products rather than finalized specifications. In particular, the September 2026 foldable iPhone and the September 2027 anniversary model are presented as anticipated releases, and the described features could still change as development progresses.