iOS 27 to Prioritize New Features for Apple's Foldable iPhone

[MacRumors]

Apple will soon begin development of iOS 27 with a shift in emphasis as the company prepares its flagship software to accommodate the first foldable iPhone, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman reports that iOS 27 will "prioritize" software features tailored specifically for Apple's first book-style foldable device, expected sometime in late 2026.

That said, there's nothing in Gurman's report to suggest that regular iPhone users need be concerned about a lack of UI innovations coming to their devices next year.

Given Samsung's seven-year stint in the foldable market, the report goes on to suggest that there is a "pent-up demand" among some Apple users for a foldable device that doesn't rely on an Android OS. How that will translate in terms of U.S. sales is unclear, but Gurman believes that Apple has been swayed by the Chinese market, where book-style foldables are preferred to flip-style designs.

Apple's foldable iPhone is expected to launch next year, featuring an approximately 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer screen. The device will reportedly address common foldable phone issues, with a less visible display crease and an improved hinge mechanism that has a titanium and stainless steel construction to increase durability.

• 2026 Foldable iPhone: All the Leaks So Far

The "iPhone Fold" will likely be Apple's most expensive iPhone ever, with rumors suggesting pricing starting at $2,000. Instead of Face ID, the device is expected to use Touch ID authentication built into a side button to save internal space, while 48MP dual-lens rear cameras are also likely to feature.

Article Link: iOS 27 to Prioritize New Features for Apple's Foldable iPhone

 

[MacUserFella]

Call me an Apple sheep all you want, call the product stupid all you want, I WILL buy this

 

[winxmac]

Foldable iPhone will replace the non-foldable just like how the iPhone completely replaced the iPod and iPod touch, assuming Apple does prioritize the software for the foldable device.

 

[Donkey Man]

Typical “urged” upselling by Apple, nothing else - just like those features that “require” M chips even when they technically don’t.

 

[iMattPro]

So much for Apple Intelligence. Apple is just going to continue to sail off into obscurity with this strategy.

 

[Jkeith85]

Call me an Apple sheep all you want, call the product stupid all you want, I WILL buy this

Absolutely buying. But the no one will buy that garbage crowd is about to show up.

 

[Jkeith85]

So much for Apple Intelligence. Apple is just going to continue to sail off into obscurity with this strategy.

What’s so good about Apple Intelligence? Not a thing, zero.

 

[iMac The Knife]

I have a feeling foldable shipments are going to see a sharp increase if the Apple Fold ever comes to fruition. If I'm wrong, I'll gladly eat crow. But, it's Apple and people will buy them just to say they have one. Cult of Mac (or iPhone in this case).

 

[EugW]

Call me an Apple sheep all you want, call the product stupid all you want, I WILL buy this

I may hold out for an iPhone Flip. The only concern I'd have is a cut down camera setup compared to the iPhone Pro Max.

What’s so good about Apple Intelligence? Not a thing, zero.

Photos Clean Up is an awesome feature, and requires AI support. Video wind noise reduction is also great, and also requires a 16e/16/16Pro or newer, but AFAIK is not dependent upon AI.

 

[ignatius345]

My main issue would be thickness. I already find my 15 Pro rather bulky in the pocket and this seems like it would be even thicker. Or maybe they're figuring out a way to deliver the whole thing at a similar thickness even when folded? It will be interesting to see how this plays out, assuming this rumor holds true.

Absolutely buying. But the no one will buy that garbage crowd is about to shown up.

100% I'm personally not that interested in a foldable (I don't think?), but at the same time there's just nothing worse than the dumbass "who is this even for" comments. Truly the most brain-dead take.

 

[nys]

The device will reportedly address common foldable phone issues, with a less visible display crease and an improved hinge mechanism that has a titanium and stainless steel construction to increase durability.

So so many thinks to catch up on and all they are concerned about is the crease? The crease is pretty much absent on the Fold 7 and the Oppo 5. Why Mark Gurman keeps on harping about the crease non-stop as if that is the only thing that Apple needs to consider when releasing a folding phone for an obscene price. So many generations of folding phones have been released that there is absolutely no reason that Apple should be releasing a "Gen 1" product that does not even come close to matching the others in physical appearance.
Please consider:
1. The thinnest foldable phone now is 8.9mm folded and 4.2mm unfolded.
2. The outer screen is now 6 inches full screen and is fully usable without unfolding the phone.
3. I believe the inner screen is now 8 inches
4. Quality cameras at the back of the phone. (note plural)

 

[TechRunner]

I may hold out for an iPhone Flip. The only concern I'd have is cut down camera setup compared to the iPhone Pro Max.

I would be more interested in a flip than a fold having had a Z Flip4. But they absolutely need to do a better job with the camera setup than Samsung did with the Z Flip I had.

 

[Premium1]

Bring back split screen and the rotating home screen like the olden days. Screens on iPhones are plenty big enough for this.

 

[Kylo83]

We need a proper re design not just a theme pack skin. Also where’s the new Siri. iOS 26 is a small update, even the main new look has changed back to like iOS 18

 

[Kylo83]

Bring back split screen and the rotating home screen like the olden days. Screens on iPhones are plenty big enough for this.

Exactly the pro max should have split screen and a way to use the phone in landscape all the time

 

[iMac The Knife]

My main issue would be thickness. I already find my 15 Pro rather bulky in the pocket and this seems like it would be even thicker. Or maybe they're figuring out a way to deliver the whole thing at a similar thickness even when folded? It will be interesting to see how this plays out, assuming this rumor holds true.

They are not far off. The Z Fold 7 is 8.9mm when folded. The 15 Pro is 8.25mm, which is nearly imperceptible in hand/pocket.

 

[Premium1]

I am sure this software will be as good as their AI and new siri. Y'all can have that first gen mess.

 

[nys]

My main issue would be thickness. I already find my 15 Pro rather bulky in the pocket and this seems like it would be even thicker. Or maybe they're figuring out a way to deliver the whole thing at a similar thickness even when folded? It will be interesting to see how this plays out, assuming this rumor holds true.


100% I'm personally not that interested in a foldable (I don't think?), but at the same time there's just nothing worse than the dumbass "who is this even for" comments. Truly the most brain-dead take.

Apple does not need to "figure out a way". The current gen foldable phones are already thinner than the Pro when folded. Just get with the program Apple.
And there are many people in various industries that find a foldable very useful. My colleagues have all switched to the Fold 6 or Oppo 5. I am the only holdout as I am still waiting for Apple.

 

[Premium1]

Exactly the pro max should have split screen and a way to use the phone in landscape all the time

Even the pro could have it. I mean they had it on iphones with 5.5" screens so no reason the entire pro line can't have it (and the entire line actually with how big the screens have gotten, but apple loves to gatekeep features).

 

[nfl46]

My days of using slab phones are over!

Give me my damn Apple Fold!

My iPhone 15 Pro Max will be the slab smartphone I use after switching to the Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 this week, followed by the Samsung Galaxy Tri-Fold this winter, and then the Apple Fold next fall.

 

[BOB-86]

I would buy a flip iPhone, at a third of the price they want for this foldable. 2 grand is too much for a disposable thing like a phone

 

[Pudlo]

post SPONSORED by Apple!!!!

NEW Apple fold called iAppled!

no AI inside but...!!!!! "we developed a special intelligent hinge which folds and unfolds and there is no visible crease*, and now you have a larger screen so more space to search for that AI icon we don't give you and , oh did we mention that Siri living in such a big phone got lazy and will not answer at all? If you have any questions just ask your granma***! She will be happy"

only 2199$**

*no crease when viewed at 89.999999 angle in a dark room with closed eyes

**no charger inside ofc for nature protection

***grandma not included

 

[HouseLannister]

I want a folding iPhone, but for a lot of people this is going to feel like Year 3 of iOS being a lot of showing off features that don't exist, don't work well, don't look well, or they don't care about. Was really hoping for a couple years of just improving the existing things that get rolled out and never touched again for years. How about some Springboard, Spotlight, and App Library improvements?

 

[iMac The Knife]

I would buy a flip iPhone, at a third of the price they want for this foldable. 2 grand is too much for a disposable thing like a phone

$2,000 is a lot for a computer, camera, video recorder, GPS navigation device, phone, hand-held gaming device, MP3/Video player, calculator, voice recorder, web cam, alarm clock, and e-reader all in one device that you can put in your pocket, that you use daily? I respectfully disagree.

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

Call me an Apple sheep all you want, call the product stupid all you want, I WILL buy this

Absolutely will as well. Cannot wait!