Apple Plans Mostly Glass, Curved iPhone for 2027, Aiming for Seamless Design

Apple is set to release a groundbreaking “mostly glass, curved iPhone” by 2027, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the iPhone's introduction, making it a significant milestone for the tech giant. Gurman’s prediction aligns with a recent report from The Information, which suggested that at least one model of the 2027 iPhone will feature a front-facing camera tucked beneath the screen, allowing for a seamless, edge-to-edge display. Another report from The Elec late last year indicated that Apple is collaborating with its display partners to achieve a bezel-less design, though it noted that the company is not planning to curve the display down the sides of the phone—a feature seen in some devices from competitors like Samsung and Vivo. The phrase “mostly glass, curved iPhone” is particularly intriguing. The current iPhone 15 Pro, for instance, already has a glass front and back, with the only external metal elements being the camera lenses and the titanium edges. If Gurman’s prediction holds, this new iPhone might push the boundaries even further, potentially resembling a design hinted at in an Apple patent from 2019. This patent described a phone entirely encased in glass, forming a continuous loop around the device. Whether or not this vision comes to fruition, the emphasis on玻璃材料 and曲面设计 clearly signals Apple's intent to innovate further in the smartphone market. However, the 2027 product lineup isn't limited to just a revamped iPhone. Gurman also predicts that 2027 will see the debut of Apple's first foldable iPhone, a move that has been anticipated for years. Additionally, the company’s long-awaited smart glasses, seen as a direct competitor to Meta’s Ray-Bans, are expected to launch that year. The rumor mill has also been abuzz with speculation about camera-equipped AirPods and Apple Watches, and Gurman confirms these products could be part of the 2027 lineup. Among the most fascinating predictions is the introduction of Apple’s home robot. Described as a tabletop device featuring an AI assistant with its own personality, this robot could significantly expand Apple’s reach into home automation and personal robotics. The concept of a robot with a distinct personality brings to mind the charming robotic lamp that Apple’s internal researchers have been developing, hinting at a more anthropomorphic approach to AI interactions. Furthermore, Gurman suggests that by 2027, Apple may finally roll out a large language model (LLM)-powered Siri. This update would mark a significant advancement in the company's AI capabilities, enhancing Siri’s ability to understand and respond to user queries in a more natural and sophisticated manner. The development of new server-side AI chips, possibly created by the same Israeli silicon design group responsible for the M1 and subsequent Apple-designed chips, is also expected. These chips, which helped Apple transition away from Intel processors in their Mac lineup, could play a crucial role in supporting the computational demands of the advanced AI features. In summary, 2027 appears to be shaping up as a landmark year for Apple, with the potential to introduce a radically redesigned iPhone, a foldable variant, smart glasses, and even a home robot with a unique personality. These innovations, alongside the expected advancements in AI and chip technology, underscore Apple’s commitment to pushing the envelope in consumer electronics and AI integration. As these developments continue to unfold, tech enthusiasts and consumers alike will be watching closely to see how Apple transforms the landscape of personal technology.