Apple has reportedly halted development on its anticipated “all-glass” iPhone due to severe manufacturing yield challenges, according to supply chain research cited by MarketWatch. The ambitious device was widely expected to debut in 2027 to mark the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone release.
The proposed all-glass model aimed to eliminate traditional metal frames and separate glass panels, creating a seamless device that resembled a single sheet of glass. According to an analyst team at Jefferies led by Edison Lee, producing complex glass structures at a mass-manufacturing scale proved too difficult to secure viable production yields.
Impact on Apple’s Premium Pricing Strategy
The cancellation of the all-glass design could disrupt Apple’s broader strategy to elevate the average selling price (ASP) and profit margins of its smartphone lineup. According to Jefferies analysts, the tech giant intended to introduce the high-end form factor to boost revenue before eventually trickling the design down to other flagship devices.
Rival manufacturers have aggressively pushed foldable displays into the market, forcing Apple to rethink how it commands premium pricing for future generations of the iPhone.
Shift Toward Foldable iPhone Development
As the all-glass project stalls, attention has shifted toward the development of a foldable iPhone.
However, analysts warn that affordability may limit immediate mass-market adoption. The device, sometimes referred to in supply chain notes as the “iPhone 18 Fold,” could launch with projected retail prices ranging between $2,199 and $3,099 depending on storage configurations, largely driven by rising memory component costs.
Market Reaction and Financial Outlook
Apple shares fell 1.5% on December 10 following the circulation of the Jefferies supply chain report. Concurrently, Jefferies downgraded its investment rating on Apple from “hold” to “underperform” and lowered its price target for the stock.
Because the cancellation has not been formally announced by Apple, actual product timelines remain subject to change. Investors and industry watchers will monitor upcoming product roadmaps to see how Apple bridges the gap in its hardware evolution ahead of the brand’s 20-year milestone.