As Apple continues to innovate its iconic iPhone lineup, all eyes are now on what’s to come in the next few years. While the highly anticipated iPhone 17 Pro is expected to bring some subtle changes, the iPhone 19 Pro seems poised for a groundbreaking redesign in 2027, marking the iPhone's 20th anniversary. In a recent report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, it’s clear that Apple has big plans for the future, including major aesthetic shifts and potential technological advancements that could reshape the smartphone industry.
Apple’s iPhone 19 Pro is expected to usher in a major shake-up in 2027, with a design that could be as visually striking as it is functional. Gurman reports that Apple is planning an extensive glass design for the iPhone 19 Pro, a vision that was hinted at as far back as the iPhone X. Apple’s former design chief, Jony Ive, had originally envisioned an iPhone that would appear as though it were “a single sheet of glass,” and the iPhone 19 Pro seems poised to bring this bold concept to life.
In addition to a glass-heavy design, there are whispers of a foldable iPhone in the works. While that technology may take a little longer to perfect, the iPhone 19 Pro seems set to incorporate this forward-thinking glass design with the goal of creating an ultra-slim, seamless finish. It’s expected that Apple’s next-generation flagship will be thinner, perhaps echoing the slim build of the iPhone 17 Air but with an even more refined glass surface.
However, this shift towards glass may raise durability and repairability concerns, especially given the potential for cracks and scratches. But Apple is likely to address these issues through a combination of toughened glass and enhanced durability features, much like it did with previous iterations of the iPhone.
While specifics remain unclear, the excitement surrounding the iPhone 19 Pro’s design is palpable. Apple’s bold aesthetics have always set its products apart, and this redesign will likely push those boundaries even further. From edge-to-edge glass displays to a more seamless integration of technology, it’s clear that Apple plans to wow consumers with a futuristic look that maintains the brand’s hallmark sophistication.
Unlike the iPhone 19 Pro’s bold overhaul, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to offer subtle updates that improve on the current iPhone design without drastically changing it. Gurman has reported that the iPhone 17 Pro’s front will look quite similar to the iPhone 16 Pro, maintaining the sleek and familiar appearance that users love. However, it’s the back camera design where we will see the most meaningful changes.
One of the most significant updates to the iPhone 17 Pro will likely be the back camera system, which is rumored to have a different design but still retain the familiar camera bar layout. Early rumors suggesting a smaller Dynamic Island or a two-tone back (dark black camera on a silver body) have been dismissed by Gurman as inaccurate. Instead, the iPhone 17 Pro will likely be a gradual refinement rather than a dramatic redesign, offering a more polished experience compared to its predecessors.
Apple has always been known for its incremental design improvements, and the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to follow suit, building upon the iPhone 16 Pro rather than breaking the mold entirely.
As Apple gears up for the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro, it faces significant pricing and tariff challenges that could impact the final cost of the device. According to Gurman, recent tariff plans—ranging from 54% on imports from China to 26% on those from India—have already caused Apple’s stock to dip by nearly 10%. This puts additional pressure on Apple’s $999 iPhone price point, which has remained unchanged since 2017.
To mitigate the effects of these tariff increases, Apple may resort to a few strategies. These include pressuring suppliers for lower costs, tapping into its 45% profit margin, and possibly raising prices on future models. However, this could result in price hikes that overshadow the excitement surrounding hardware updates.
Gurman notes that Apple may also look to diversify its supply chain, reducing its reliance on Chinese manufacturers and potentially offsetting some of the financial burdens. Tim Cook may even push for exemptions from tariffs, similar to how Apple navigated the challenges of previous years.
While the iPhone 17 Pro will likely be a relatively conservative update, Apple is clearly setting its sights on a revolutionary future with the iPhone 19 Pro. As we look ahead to 2027, the major shake-up in iPhone design will undoubtedly be one for the history books, possibly marking the next step toward foldable screens and a seamless, glass-heavy aesthetic that will set the iPhone apart from all competitors.
For now, though, consumers can look forward to an iPhone 17 Pro that delivers meaningful improvements in performance and design while offering a glimpse into the exciting future that Apple has in store. Whether or not price hikes will affect consumer demand remains to be seen, but Apple’s history of creating highly sought-after devices suggests that the company will continue to set the standard in the smartphone market.