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Apple shelves all-glass iPhone design for anniversary model

Apple has reportedly abandoned plans for an all-glass iPhone to mark the company's anniversary, according to industry sources. The decision suggests the technology giant is reassessing its ambitious design goals for upcoming flagship models.

LSN Sri Lanka · 20 August 2026

Apple shelves all-glass iPhone design for anniversary model

Apple's plans for a landmark all-glass iPhone design have been shelved, marking a significant shift in the company's product strategy for its anniversary edition smartphone.

The ambitious design concept, which would have represented a departure from current manufacturing approaches, has been deemed impractical or economically unviable at this stage of development. Industry analysts suggest the decision reflects challenges in scaling production, durability concerns, or cost considerations that made the project unfeasible for near-term release.

The move underscores the engineering complexities involved in smartphone design, despite Apple's history of introducing innovative and aesthetically distinctive devices. Previous anniversary models, such as the iPhone X, featured premium materials and cutting-edge technology, setting high expectations for successor products.

Apple has not officially commented on the reported design change. The company typically reserves detailed product information for its scheduled launch events, where it unveils new iPhone models alongside specifications and pricing details.

The decision may indicate that Apple's upcoming flagship devices will rely on proven design elements and materials rather than experimental approaches. Tech industry observers will likely scrutinize the company's next product announcements to determine what design priorities have replaced the shelved all-glass concept.