Apple’s iPhone Roadmap: From iPhone 17 to the Foldable Future and 20th Anniversary Pro

Apple is about to shake up the iPhone lineup in ways we haven’t seen in years.

Starting this September, the iPhone 17 Pro will debut with the first major redesign of the Pro line in a long time, and this is only the beginning of a series of annual transformations leading up to 2027 – the 20th anniversary of the iPhone.

The iPhone 17 Pro and the end of the Plus

The iPhone 17 series marks a shift in Apple’s strategy. The familiar Plus model is being retired, replaced by a fresh face: the iPhone 17 Air. This slim, stylish device is designed for those who value looks over specs, but it comes with trade-offs. It carries just one rear camera, a smaller 2,900 mAh battery, and a price tag nearly as high as the Pro model. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will not only receive larger camera modules but also a long-awaited design refresh, complete with a new ‘Liquid Glass’ finish.

2025: The foldable iPhone and iPhone 18

Next year will be historic. Alongside the iPhone 18, Apple is preparing to launch its long-rumored foldable iPhone. Supply chain leaks suggest prototypes are already being tested. The iPhone 18 itself will also drop the Dynamic Island in favor of a punch-hole cutout, with Face ID sensors moving under the display. This change sets the stage for something even bigger.

2027: A perfect display for the iPhone’s 20th birthday

Apple plans to celebrate two decades of iPhone innovation with a Pro model that finally delivers what many users have been waiting for: a completely uninterrupted screen. Both the selfie camera and Face ID sensors will sit invisibly beneath the display, creating a flawless front panel. It’s the kind of bold move that could redefine the industry, much like Apple did when it killed the headphone jack and introduced the notch.

Interestingly, Apple seems to be leaning into thicker Pro models to fit larger batteries, a decision that contrasts sharply with Samsung’s slimming trend. If this balance of endurance and display purity carries forward, the iPhone’s 20th anniversary could mark the start of a new, more practical smartphone era.