Apple's iPhone will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027, and rumors point to a radically redesigned model. Many expect this special device to arrive as the iPhone 20, replacing the Pro lineup in the fall. Yet one solid reason suggests Apple might have different plans. The company has recently separated its product lines into premium-looking Air iPhones and performance-focused Pro models, and a glass body would fit the Air philosophy much better than the Pro's thermal approach.
A single slab of glass with a 7-inch display
According to multiple reports, the anniversary handset could finally realize Jony Ive's original vision of an iPhone made from a single piece of glass. The display would curve over the edges, reach roughly 7 inches, and incorporate under-display Face ID and camera tech for the first time. That would eliminate the Dynamic Island completely and create a seamless front surface. It sounds spectacular, but it also brings back the thermal challenges that Apple has worked hard to eliminate from the Pro line.
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The utilitarian iPhone 17 Pro reshapes Apple's priorities
The iPhone 17 Pro made a deliberate shift toward an all-aluminum body and a thicker chassis to maximize heat dissipation. This utilitarian move distanced the Pro models from the flashy, refined aesthetic that defined earlier generations. Meanwhile, iPhone Air took over the role of a beautifully built glass-and-titanium device for those who care more about design than raw performance. Giving the anniversary phone a full-glass body would contradict the direction Apple just set for its professional lineup.
Replacing iPhone Air mirrors the 2017 iPhone X moment
If Apple follows its own history, the 20th anniversary model could replace iPhone Air instead. iPhone Air 2 is slated for early 2027 with a second rear camera, and the all-glass anniversary phone might then launch in the fall as a third-generation Air. This would echo 2017, when the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus coexisted with the iPhone X, creating one ultra-premium device for buyers who wanted something truly different rather than simply the most powerful option.
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Rumors still favor a Pro replacement, but nothing is final
Reporters and analysts continue to predict that the celebratory iPhone will be a Pro successor, but the product is more than a year away from launch. Apple could choose to keep the iPhone 18 Pro models around for an extra generation if it decides to retire the current Pro design early. The recent report from analyst Jeff Pu about a possible 250 to 300 dollar price increase for the iPhone 18 Pro suggests that Apple might reposition its entire lineup, with the anniversary phone sitting above the Pros as a separate luxury tier.
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Still, history shows that Apple frequently adjusts plans during development. The detailed timeline of iPhone hardware evolution, available on Wikipedia, reveals how often early rumors differ from final products. It is entirely possible that the actual iPhone 20 will be a toned-down version of these leaks, making a dual-Pro replacement more logical. But if the all-glass design stays true, the Air connection becomes harder to ignore.
Ultimately, the 7-inch iPhone 20 looks like a dream device on paper. Whether it becomes the next Air, the next Pro, or an entirely new tier, Apple has plenty of time to decide. The smartest approach is to watch the next few months of leaks and see if the narrative around the anniversary model firms up. Until then, the glass slab remains a fascinating question mark.
Source: https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/01/heres-why-iphone-20-could-actually-be-iphone-air-3
