Apple would like to skip the iPhone 19 completely and go straight to the iPhone 20 in 2027 to mark the iPhone’s 20th anniversary. This is evident from statements by analyst Heo Moo-yeol of research agency Omdia during a conference in Seoul. The reporting is based on sources from the South Korean technology industry and should be regarded as speculative for the time being.
In 2017, in honor of the iPhone’s 10th anniversary, the company decided to skip the iPhone 9 and instead introduced the iPhone With 2027 being the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone, Apple appears to be considering adopting a similar strategy by jumping straight to the iPhone 20
History repeats itself
Apple has previously taken a similar step. In 2017, in honor of the iPhone’s 10th anniversary, the company decided to skip the iPhone 9 and instead introduced the iPhone This special anniversary edition marked a revolutionary design change with a borderless screen, Face ID and the elimination of the home button.
The iPhone With 2027 being the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone, which launched on June 29, 2007, Apple appears to be considering employing a similar strategy by jumping straight to the iPhone 20
Completely new design
Apple, according to the rumors want to provide the iPhone XX with a new, radical design that consists almost entirely of glass. The front and back flow into each other without visible transitions or an aluminum frame. The design has rounded edges and a screen that curls over the sides, providing a unique borderless user experience. There are no visible seams or corners, making the iPhone look like one piece, which fits perfectly with Apple’s image of minimalist and elegant products.
To make this possible, new glass shaping techniques are being developed, prioritizing both durability and hand comfort. The name ‘Glasswing’, inspired by a butterfly with transparent wings, underlines the pursuit of a light, luxurious appearance.
iPhone 20 Pro fall 2027
ETnews reports that according to Omdia analyst Heo Moo-yeol, Apple would plan a split launch for 2027. In the first half of that year, Apple would introduce the iPhone 18 and 18e. The premium models would follow in the second half of 2027: the iPhone 20 Air, iPhone 20 Pro, iPhone 20 Pro Max and possibly a second generation foldable iPhone. The standard version of the iPhone 20 will be released in 2028.
This strategy fits into a broader change in Apple’s product launch. Since 2026, Apple would like to split its iPhone releases over the year, with Pro models released in the fall and standard models in the spring of the following year. This approach would help Apple better manage a growing product portfolio and generate more attention for individual models throughout the year.
Changing naming convention at Apple
The possible jump from iPhone 18 to iPhone 20 fits a pattern in which Apple does not shy away from skipping numbers for marketing purposes. In addition to the iPhone 9 being skipped for the iPhone
There are also voices calling for a more fundamental change in Apple’s naming system. Some analysts suggest that Apple could eventually move to a year-based naming convention, similar to how Mac computers are referred to (for example, “MacBook Air (M4, 2025)”). This would be more consistent with the new iOS numbering and could make the increasingly complex product portfolio clearer.