Apple is gearing up for a major iPhone 19 redesign in 2027 to mark the device’s 20th anniversary, and it sounds like the company is going all-in on glass.
While details are still light, early reports suggest that Apple’s 20th Anniversary iPhone will feature significantly more glass in its design compared to previous models. It’s shaping up to be a showcase piece, and naturally, it’s expected to come with a higher price tag.
Tariffs Could Drive the Price of the 20th Anniversary iPhone Even Higher
Adding to the expected premium, Apple could also face external cost pressures. With hefty tariffs on Chinese imports likely to remain in place, and exemptions for the tech sector set to expire, production costs could rise further.
Apple has been working to shift more iPhone manufacturing to India, and currently can meet roughly one-third of U.S. iPhone demand from Indian factories. However, Bloomberg reports that the complex nature of the 20th Anniversary iPhone will likely keep production tied to China, at least initially.
While Apple’s manufacturing in India has reached parity with China in terms of current iPhone quality, the 20-year anniversary models are extraordinarily complex. They’ll require new parts and production techniques, making it far from a certainty that Apple will be able to build those outside of China. At some point, yes, but certainly not by the year 2027. Keep in mind: Apple has never produced a major new product design outside China for the first go-around.
A Complex Launch on the Horizon
Even though Apple’s production in India now matches China’s quality for current models, launching a cutting-edge redesign outside of China would be a first, and a risky move. Historically, Apple has always debuted major new product designs with Chinese manufacturing partners, thanks to their highly specialized expertise.
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While moving advanced production elsewhere is a goal, realistically, Apple won’t be ready to completely break away from China by the time the anniversary model launches.
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