The 20th-anniversary iPhone almost hit the cutting room floor. Internal development hurdles nearly triggered a total cancellation, forcing Apple’s leadership into high-stakes executive reviews.

Ultimately, Tim Cook’s team cleared the project for takeoff, trading risky design concepts for engineering viability. The legendary milestone device is officially back on track, signaling a massive, high-tech tribute to the original 2007 smartphone revolution.

Ultimately, Tim Cook’s team cleared the project for takeoff, trading risky design concepts for engineering viability. The legendary milestone device is officially back on track, signaling a massive, high-tech tribute to the original 2007 smartphone revolution.