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Apple is reportedly preparing a major product overhaul in time for the iPhone's twentieth anniversary in 2027. According to a report from Bloomberg, the Cupertino company could add at least two new products to its portfolio and redesign the iPhone and Watch lineups.
Both those products have been my favorite form factors lately, and I can't wait to see Apple's take on them. The potential 2027 Apple product portfolio sounds interesting. Here are four reasons why I'm excited.
1. A long-awaited fix to iPhone's design
Apple switched to flat sides on its iPhones with the iPhone 12 series in 2020. The device reached an unwieldy phone form factor with the iPhone 14 Pro Max. While the last two iterations of the phone have been lighter, they've continued to sport flat sides -- something that's not as comfortable as the curved iPhones of the past. I've been waiting for Apple to go back to curved sides because my pinky finger hurts when I use my iPhone 16 Pro for browsing.
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According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple could launch a "mostly glass, curved iPhone" in 2027. This release will mark the tenth anniversary of iPhone X, the first all-screen, glass-focused iPhone. The 2027 flagship iPhones could feature an all-screen design with no cutouts and feature under-display Face ID sensors. Their curved design could make them more ergonomic.
2. A foldable iPhone
Apple is rumored to be launching a foldable iPhone as soon as next year. The device is said to be a book-style foldable, like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6. However, the phone could have a smaller and wider form factor. Gurman reiterated in his recent report that Apple's foldable display could have a nearly invisible crease, a feat touched by the Oppo Find N5 recently. As per the report, Apple's first foldable iPhone is being considered as "one of two major two-decade anniversary initiatives."
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I'm looking forward to the foldable iPhone to see if Apple can mix iOS and iPadOS on its next-gen device. The potential 5.8-inch cover screen will be responsible for a wider internal display, which could offer less letterboxing for a better video consumption experience. Apple's foldable iPhone is rumored to launch by the end of next year, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series.
3. Meta Ray-Bans competitors
I've long advocated for glasses being the best form factor for AI-enabled hardware, and the Meta Ray-Bans AI glasses are the perfect example. They sit on your face, like regular glasses, and their tech fades into the background. AI being present in your ambient surroundings, rather than relying on a phone, is perfect for certain use cases.
With Apple pushing its Apple Intelligence features, AI glasses could be the perfect companion to iPhones. I'm excited for Apple's Meta Ray-Bans competitors because the company is reported to manufacture a dedicated chip to leverage its expertise in audio, ecosystem features, and design. I expect Apple's AI glasses to gain better traction than the Vision Pro.
4. More Apple products
According to Gurman, Apple is also planning "new AirPods and watches that include cameras" for a 2027 launch. Like the upcoming Apple Glasses, a camera on Apple Watch will let you access Visual Intelligence features without needing to touch your iPhone.
The report suggests that at least two major Apple Intelligence developments will arrive by 2027. Apple is tipped to manufacture "powerful new chips for its AI servers" to improve the AI experience. Gurman also mentioned that Apple is looking to explore a product that combines a foldable iPad and a touchscreen Mac. However, this device won't arrive before 2028.
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I'm looking forward to this "Apple product renaissance" because I've waited too long for iPhones to return to a more ergonomic design. Apple's AI glasses and a foldable iPhone also sound enticing.
We've reached out to Apple and will update this article if we hear back.
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