Apple's 20th Anniversary: Can an AI-Powered "Glass Era" Recapture Former Glory?

Apple's 20th Anniversary: Can an AI-Powered "Glass Era" Recapture Former Glory?First, let's focus on iOS. The iOS 18

Apple's 20th Anniversary: Can an AI-Powered "Glass Era" Recapture Former Glory?

In 2007, Steve Jobs pulled the first generation iPhonean 11.6mm-thick "glass slab"from his jeans pocket, forever changing mobile communication. Now, in 2025, with smartphone design innovation seemingly stalled, Apple is brewing a deeper transformation, raising fan expectations considerably. From its impending AI strategy rollout in China to rumored "all-glass" iPhones in 2027, the tech giant is attempting to build a vast network connecting artificial intelligence, materials science, and revolutionary interaction. The iPhone's 20th anniversary represents not just product iteration, but a complete redefinition of this tech empire's future.

First, let's focus on iOS. The iOS 18.5 beta is already out, and iOS 18.6 will be the first to deeply integrate Apple's AI services with the Chinese ecosystem. This seemingly routine update reflects a significant shift in Apple's Cook-era strategya "local + cloud" hybrid architecture where Apple is entrusting some core AI service data processing to Alibaba Cloud and Baidu Cloud. This compromise stems from the dual pressures of the $60 billion Chinese market and the global AI competition. Regardless, domestic users will soon experience Apple's AI services, previously exclusive to overseas users. The surge of domestic phone manufacturers entering the AI race has significantly impacted iPhone's position.

Apple's timing for the release of the AI China version is intriguing. It coincides with Huawei's breakthroughs in distributed AI with HarmonyOS 5.0, and the increased focus on on-device large language models by domestic manufacturers. Apple's "hybrid cloud" strategy cleverly mitigates cross-border data risks while retaining the computational advantages of the CoreML framework locally. This "semi-open" approach suggests a shift in Apple's China strategy from hardware dominance to ecosystem integration. The ultimate outcome, however, remains unpredictable. The iPhone faces significant pressure; the iPhone 16 series lacked impact, and iOS 18 has numerous bugsall signaling a need for change.

Second, the iPhone series is approaching its 20th anniversary. Overseas leaks suggest Apple is preparing a major overhaul, including a foldable iPhone and a disruptive Pro model, the rumored iPhone 19 Pro. If successful, this device would realize former Apple design chief Jony Ive's original vision for the iPhonean iPhone "like a single sheet of glass." Despite recent iPhones becoming thicker, Apple seems to be returning to Ive's design philosophy. The iPhone 17 Air, with its ultra-thin design, is testament to this, even with some feature compromises.

I believe that a slimmer iPhone 19 Pro would represent breakthroughs in several technologies: seamless integration of glass and planar motherboards, strengthened fused glass, and a waterdrop-like unibody design, even achieving a truly portless design by eliminating the charging port. If realized, this 20th-anniversary model would be stunning, significantly boosting user expectations. However, caution is warranted; domestic phone manufacturers are rapidly closing the gap.

Taking foldable phones as an example, reports suggest Apple's approach eschews traditional hinges, instead opting for a magnetic levitation and liquid metal dynamic support system. This system, coupled with ultra-thin UTG glass, aims for an "invisible fold." Apple is also developing a 3D operating system leveraging the flexible screen. iOS would automatically switch to a desktop-like interface when unfolded, and a pressure-sensitive layer would enable new gestures when folded. Yet, current domestic foldable phones are already impressive, while Apple's foldable iPhone is still under development, leaving the outcome uncertain.

In summary, from the capacitive screen revolution of the first iPhone to the potential "glass era" of future iPhones, Apple has spent twenty years completing a technological epic cycle. Whether this cycle will truly break new ground remains to be seen, especially given the lengthy wait for the highly anticipated AI China release. What are your expectations? Share your thoughts in the comments.