From Screen to Structure: Apple’s iPhone Faces Its Biggest Shift Yet

ByHazem Yasser

From Screen to Structure: Apple’s iPhone Faces Its Biggest Shift Yet

For much of 2024, it seemed like Apple was playing it safe. The iPhone 16 series arrived with subtle refinements rather than groundbreaking changes, leading many to believe the company was saving its energy for something bigger. Now, with the iPhone 17 just weeks away, that strategy is starting to make sense.

Insiders suggest Apple has been working on a multi-year redesign plan, and 2025 marks the official kickoff. John Ternus, Apple’s hardware engineering lead, even described the iPhone 17 lineup as the “most ambitious” in the product’s history — a rare level of enthusiasm from a company known for understatement.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this isn’t just about one new model. It’s the start of a three-year evolution that could reshape the iPhone more dramatically than any cycle since the original iPhone X.

Meet the iPhone 17 Air

At the center of this shift is a new addition to the family: the iPhone 17 Air. Inspired by the iconic 2008 MacBook Air launch, this model will focus on ultra-thin design and lightweight portability, aiming to become the slimmest iPhone ever made.

But achieving that sleek profile comes at a cost. To save space, Apple is reportedly cutting back in a few key areas:

  • A smaller battery to fit the tighter chassis
  • The removal of the physical SIM card slot, going all-in on eSIM
  • A reduced camera setup on the back, with fewer sensors than previous models

While this might sound like a step back for some, the goal is clear: prioritize form and portability for users who value thinness over maxed-out specs.

What About the Rest of the Lineup?

The standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models won’t see as drastic a change. They’ll keep a similar overall design to the iPhone 16 series but come with meaningful upgrades:

  • A refined camera system with improved processing and low-light performance
  • A new back panel design using updated materials for better durability and finish
  • A fresh orange color option for Pro models, adding a bold new look to the lineup

These updates may seem modest compared to the Air model, but they lay the groundwork for bigger changes down the road.

2026: The Foldable iPhone Arrives

In 2026, Apple is expected to enter the foldable market with its first iPhone that folds like a book — similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. When opened, it transforms into a compact tablet-sized display, blurring the line between phone and iPad.

Rumors suggest this device will pack five cameras (front and back), continue the trend of no physical SIM slot, and — surprisingly — ditch Face ID in favor of an under-display Touch ID sensor. That would be a major shift for Apple, especially after years of pushing Face ID as the future of authentication.

Initial color options are rumored to be classic black and pure white, and the device is expected to feature Apple’s next-generation in-house C2 modem, promising better connectivity, faster speeds, and lower power consumption.

2027: A Glass-Centric iPhone for the 20th Anniversary

As Apple approaches the 20th anniversary of the iPhone in 2027, the company is reportedly planning a special redesign: a fully glass-bodied iPhone with smoothly curved edges that blend seamlessly into the screen.

This design is said to pair perfectly with a rumored software overhaul called “Liquid Glass” — an interface built to take full advantage of the curved, edge-to-edge display. The goal? A truly immersive experience where the hardware and software feel like one unified piece.

The iPhone Still Leads the Way

While Apple continues developing new iPads, MacBooks with M5 chips, and a more affordable iPhone 17e in 2026, the iPhone remains the heart of its innovation engine. Every major leap in chip design, camera tech, or user experience starts here.

And over the next three years, Apple seems ready to prove that even after two decades, the iPhone still has room to evolve — and surprise us.

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