Apple scraps 2025 all-glass iPhone redesign

Apple appears to have shelved plans for an all-glass iPhone redesign expected next year, according to a new report from analyst firm Jefferies.

The all-glass iPhone was rumored for years as a potential flagship for Apple’s 2025 lineup, marking two decades since Steve Jobs introduced the original iPhone in 2007. Analysts and supply chain reports had pointed to significant engineering challenges, including durability concerns and the need for new bonding techniques to secure glass components without metal frames. Those hurdles seem to have stalled the project, with Jefferies now stating the device is “no longer moving forward.”

Multiple reports over the past 18 months suggested Apple was testing curved glass panels and internal reinforcement systems, potentially in collaboration with Corning, the company behind Gorilla Glass. One major roadblock was the difficulty in achieving wireless charging and heat dissipation without metal components, which are critical for modern iPhones. Apple has used glass backs on iPhones since 2017, but always paired with metal frames for structural support.

If the redesign is indeed canceled, Apple may focus instead on incremental upgrades to camera systems, battery life, and AI features in next year’s iPhone 17 lineup. The company has a history of shifting priorities mid-development, as seen with the delayed launch of under-display Face ID in 2023. While an all-glass iPhone would have been a bold design statement, Apple may be opting for reliability and performance over radical change. The decision reflects a broader caution in hardware innovation, even as competitors push boundaries with foldable and AI-integrated devices.