Apple iPhone 20: Everything We Know About the Radical Redesign Coming in 2027

The iPhone that redefined the smartphone may get its most dramatic makeover yet — but it arrives under a new boss. Apple is reportedly planning a radical redesign for the 20th anniversary iPhone in 2027, with hardware engineering chief John Ternus poised to take over as CEO. This landmark device is expected to mark a decisive shift in Apple's design language, possibly introducing a foldable display, a completely new form factor, and the end of the notch.

The 20th anniversary iPhone – often referred to internally as the iPhone 20 – comes exactly two decades after Steve Jobs unveiled the original iPhone in 2007. Apple has a tradition of celebrating milestone years with bold product shifts: the iPhone X in 2017 dropped the home button and introduced Face ID. The iPhone 20 is shaping up to be an even bigger leap, according to supply chain sources and analyst notes.

John Ternus, Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is widely expected to succeed Tim Cook as CEO before or by 2027. Ternus has been instrumental in Apple's recent hardware successes, including the M1 chip transition, the iPhone 12 design refresh, and the Vision Pro headset. His promotion would make the iPhone 20 the first major product launch under his leadership, adding both pressure and prestige to the release.

Details of the redesign remain under wraps, but credible leaks suggest Apple is exploring a foldable clamshell design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip, with a seamless hinge and a scratch-resistant glass cover. The device is also rumored to feature under-display Face ID, solid-state volume and power buttons that use haptic feedback, and a titanium frame. Cameras could see a major upgrade, including a periscope zoom lens and a larger sensor. The goal, say insiders, is to create a device that feels both nostalgic — honoring the original iPhone's curved edges — and futuristic.

The iPhone 20th anniversary edition is expected to be priced at a premium, possibly exceeding $1,500 for the base model, making it the most expensive iPhone ever. Production is rumored to begin in early 2027, with a launch in September of that year, aligning with Apple's typical fall cycle.

Analysts see the iPhone 20 as a critical test of Apple's ability to innovate under new leadership. "The smartphone market is mature — radical hardware changes are rare," said Patrick Moorhead, founder of Moor Insights & Strategy. "A foldable iPhone would be the biggest design shift since the iPhone X and could reignite upgrade cycles." Some observers caution that foldable displays still face durability issues, but Apple's reputation for polish suggests the company will only ship a product that meets its high standards.

Looking ahead, supply chain reports will solidify throughout 2026 as Apple finalizes components. Investors will watch for any public comments from Tim Cook about succession plans. The iPhone 20th anniversary edition is more than a phone — it's a symbol of Apple's next chapter. If successful, it could cement John Ternus's legacy before he even officially takes the helm.