Apple’s next generation of iPhones looks set to redefine the smartphone experience, with a trio of upcoming innovations that could shake up the entire industry. After the iPhone 17 Pro’s redesign grabbed headlines this year, insiders reveal that Apple isn’t stopping there. 
Over the next few years, the company plans to introduce three radically new models – a foldable iPhone, a bezel-less iPhone 20 Pro, and a clamshell-style iPhone Flip – that together mark a bold new chapter in Apple’s design evolution.
Foldable iPhone to arrive with iPhone 18 lineup
According to multiple sources, including reliable Apple analyst Mark Gurman, Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone is nearing completion and is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 series next year. Unlike earlier prototypes, this device will feature a sophisticated book-style design reminiscent of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 – but with Apple’s signature engineering finesse. Reports suggest that Apple has developed a custom glass mid-frame to make the screen crease almost invisible, setting a new bar for durability and aesthetics in foldable phones.
The foldable iPhone will reportedly open up into an 8.3-inch display, slightly larger than Samsung’s Fold 7, effectively turning the phone into a compact iPad mini replacement. Apple is said to be blending iPhone and iPadOS experiences into a single adaptive interface that adjusts depending on how you hold the device. This seamless transition between smartphone and tablet modes could be a defining feature of Apple’s entry into the foldable market.
As for biometric security, while Apple is working on bringing Face ID under the display in future models, the foldable iPhone may rely on a refined Touch ID system instead due to internal space constraints. Early prototypes reportedly integrate the sensor into the power button for easier access.
2027’s Bezel-less iPhone 20 Pro: a display that melts into the frame
To mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, Apple plans to skip the iPhone 19 and release the iPhone 20 lineup in 2027. The iPhone 20 Pro is expected to feature an entirely bezel-free display with no notches, no punch holes, and no Dynamic Island. Insiders describe it as an OLED panel that curves backward over the edges, creating a mesmerizing ‘melting screen’ illusion where the display seems to flow into the body of the device. This radical design shift could redefine what premium smartphones look like and may push competitors to follow suit.
The iPhone Flip: compact power with a nostalgic twist
Following the foldable iPhone, Apple reportedly plans to launch a clamshell-style iPhone Flip in 2028, designed to appeal to users who love compact, stylish phones. Much like the Galaxy Z Flip series, it will fold vertically into a pocket-sized square and open into a full-sized smartphone. The outer display will be minimalistic, primarily for notifications, quick replies, or accessing AI-driven shortcuts like checking messages or snapping quick selfies.
A renaissance for iPhone innovation
After several years of evolutionary updates, Apple’s design department seems ready to take big risks again. The iPhone 17 Pro hinted at this new direction with its refreshed form factor, but the upcoming devices take that ambition further. From a tablet-sized foldable to a bezel-free anniversary edition and a chic, portable Flip, Apple fans will finally have the variety and innovation they’ve been craving. If even half of these rumors prove true, the next three years could represent the most exciting era in iPhone history – one that might finally make the smartphone feel new again.