Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series could debut in September as usual but ahead of that, we already have information on what the company could be planning for 2027, the year that will mark the 20th anniversary of iPhones. Rumours suggest the company is planning to debut the 20th anniversary iPhones in two sizes along with the 2nd Gen foldable iPhone and the AirPods with cameras.
AirPods with Cameras
As per a Bloomberg report, According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the wearable is now expected to launch in late 2027, after being pushed back from its original 2026 timeline.
The delay is reportedly tied to Apple’s ongoing challenges with Apple Intelligence and the next-generation Siri experience. Beyond the software hurdles, Apple also needs to develop visual AI models capable of understanding a user’s surroundings through the cameras embedded in the AirPods. Those cameras are expected to work alongside Apple Intelligence features, allowing the earbuds to provide contextual information based on what users are looking at.
The camera-equipped AirPods, internally codenamed B798, are said to remain in development, though Gurman notes that Apple’s product timelines remain fluid and could change. A report from last month suggested that AirPods with cameras are have reached later stages of development.
20th anniversary iPhones could bring Apple’s biggest redesign in years
Alongside the AirPods update, Gurman has also shared new details about Apple’s ambitious iPhone roadmap for 2027, which marks the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone.
Apple is reportedly preparing a special anniversary iPhone featuring a nearly edge-to-edge display with curved glass that wraps around the sides of the device. The design is expected to represent one of the most significant visual overhauls since the iPhone X which brought a major change to the iPhone’s looks, including the removal of Touch ID and introduction of Face ID.
The 20th anniversary iPhones lineup, codenamed V73 and V74, is expected to arrive in sizes similar to the current Pro and Pro Max models. Apple is also said to be planning a second-generation foldable iPhone for release in late 2027. The first-gen foldable is expected to debut later this year.
New chip roadmap revealed
The 20th anniversary iPhones and the second-generation foldable iPhone are expected to be powered by Apple’s A21 chip, built using a 2nm manufacturing process. Moving to 2nm technology should allow Apple to deliver better performance and also improved power efficiency compared to current-generation chips.
Looking even further ahead, Gurman reports that Apple’s 2028 flagship iPhones could use an A22 Pro chip manufactured on an even more advanced 1.4nm process, representing another major leap in semiconductor technology.
Apple’s launch strategy is changing
These reports also align with earlier claims that Apple plans to split future iPhone launches into two release windows. Under the new strategy, premium models would continue launching in the fall, while standard models would arrive the following spring.
If that plan remains unchanged, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max later this year with the A20 Pro chip. The standard iPhone 18, meanwhile, is reportedly scheduled to launch in early 2027 with the standard A20 processor.
Author: Abhishek Malhotra
Source: The Mobile Indian
Reviewed By: Editorial Team
