Act surprised: Apple is soon expected to formally kick off development of iOS 27. This year, Apple will have a big task: updating the iOS experience in preparation for its most radical new iPhone yet.
Details are unclear, but iOS 27 will unsurprisingly focus heavily on optimizing software for Apple’s first foldable iPhone. This will include new features specifically for the iPhone Fold as well as ensuring that iOS as we know it today is optimized for the new form factor.
In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman writes:
In fairness to Apple, its foldable phone won’t be a carbon copy. As I reported months ago, the company is focused on addressing a few of the foldable category’s longstanding weaknesses. The company aims to make the inner display crease less visible and dramatically improve the hinge mechanism. And as part of the development of iOS 27 — which formally kicks off soon — Apple will prioritize software features tailored specifically to this new form factor.
According to Bloomberg, Ming-Chi Kuo, and other sources, Apple will release its first foldable phone next year. The device will reportedly offer a number of industry-first features, including a crease-free display and an innovative stainless steel and titanium alloy hinge.
The foldable iPhone is said to pack an approximately 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display. This means the iPhone would be similar to an iPad mini screen when unfolded. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the device will lack support for Face ID and instead offer Touch ID as a form of biometric authentication.
That high-end design will also come with a high-end price point. Most rumors say the iPhone Fold will cost at least $2,000, making it the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever released by a wide margin.
What do you think of the current iPhone Fold rumors? What software features should Apple prioritize? Let us know down in the comments.
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