In 2017, a significant shift occurred in the smartphone landscape when a notable tech giant opted to skip the iPhone 9, opting instead for the iPhone X to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a device that truly transformed the market. Fast forward to 2027, and it appears they’re set to repeat this bold move: there may not be an iPhone 19. Instead, the spotlight is poised to shine on the commemorative model for the 20-year anniversary—a decision seen not as a mere coincidence but as a strategic marketing choice.
Breaking tradition: the rationale behind the leap
The decision to bypass the iPhone 19 isn’t rooted in superstitions or numerology, contrary to what some might speculate. This year, we observed a new generation of products, including an Apple Watch Series 9 and the A19 Pro chip, which suggests that numerical sequence isn’t the prime concern. This early jump from iPhone 8 to X marked Apple’s first major design reinvention a decade ago, and the company seems intent on elevating the significance of the 20th-anniversary model, effectively launching directly from the 18 to the 20.
Looking ahead, the upcoming year will introduce the foldable iPhone, setting the stage for 2027’s release—rumored to be a transformative entry into the smartphone evolution.
iPhone XX: everything we know so far
Code-named “Glasswing,” which translates to “butterfly of glass,” this 20th-anniversary model promises to redefine what users have come to expect from smartphones. If the rumors hold true, Apple’s engineering teams are pushing the envelope on both aesthetics and functionality. Consider some of the striking features that have emerged in early discussions:
Imagine a device with an edge-to-edge display, free from visible cuts or interruptions. The inclusion of a front-facing camera and Face ID technology seamlessly integrated beneath an OLED panel would be groundbreaking. Additionally, the anticipated curved glass design embracing all four sides offers not just beauty but innovation in ergonomics, enhanced further by a next-generation Gorilla Glass back.
But it’s not merely about looks. The forthcoming technical specifications are just as exciting. Expectations include:
A state-of-the-art A21 chip fabricated on a 2-nanometer process, enabling faster processing speeds and efficiency. High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) could facilitate advanced AI functionalities without reliance on cloud services, encouraging more autonomy in device operations. And let’s not overlook the possibility of batteries made from pure silicon, promising longevity and power unlike anything before. Concealed camera lenses beneath the screen complete this vision of a device that aspires to leap into a new technological era.
Current landscape and future trajectory
As the anticipation builds, this year also sees the impressive iPhone 17 Pro, already a powerhouse in its own right. In 2026, the introduction of a foldable variant will send waves through the industry—each step paving the way for what promises to be the most significant smartphone release since the iPhone X.
The ambition behind the iPhone XX is clear: it is not just another upgrade; it is a vision for the future. The aim is to craft a device that doesn’t merely continue the line but fundamentally recasts the user’s experience.
In conclusion
Much like in 2017, when the absence of the iPhone 9 was overshadowed by the ground-breaking iPhone X, the 2027 absence of the 19 model seems intentional. The spotlight is set to shine brightly on the 20th-anniversary edition, promising innovations that could truly alter expectations. Will this be the model that eclipses the impact of the iPhone X? Only time will tell, but for now, the tech world waits in eager anticipation.
