Apple previewed new iOS 27 features during the WWDC 2026 keynote, focusing on Apple Intelligence and Siri AI. It seems that iOS 27 aims to deliver on the promises made a few years ago, in addition to providing a more stable and reliable experience for users in general. Along with this, iOS 27 also sets the stage for Apple’s upcoming iPhone Fold. During the company’s State of the Union platform session, Apple told developers that they should not focus on developing apps for specific devices or fixed orientations, but should prepare for “a dynamic range of sizes and aspect ratios.”
During the briefing, the company showed off resizable iOS apps in iPhone Mirroring working on iPad, meaning apps originally designed for the iPhone could work on the iPad at whatever size users need. While, for now, Apple’s excuse is the deeper integration between iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate, the ever-growing rumors about the next iPhones clearly indicate that Apple wants developers to prepare for the first iPhone.
User X, samhenrigold, found two strings in the iOS 27 framework that hint at a foldable device, with “foldState” and “angleDegrees” mentioned. Macworld’s Filipe Espósito also posted on Threads that the iOS 27 code suggests the company is testing a device with Dynamic Island and Touch ID. At the moment, there is no Apple device like this, but rumors strongly suggest that this is what the iPhone Fold will look like.
Apple continues to prepare the iPhone Fold
The next iPhone Fold is expected to have a passport-like design. Smaller than most foldable phones, it will open like a book instead of a flip phone. This innovative device will have a 5.5-inch screen when closed and a 7.8-inch screen when unfolded. Previous reports suggested that the iPhone Fold would look like two iPhone Airs stuck together. Additionally, rumors suggest that this device will feature new liquid metal technology for the iPhone’s hinge, which will make the device’s crease less visible. While Apple reportedly first worked on making the crease completely disappear, it appears the technology isn’t there yet.
As Espósito suggested, this iPhone will have Touch ID due to the lack of space to add Face ID authentication, and it will feature some sort of dynamic island, although it’s unclear how big the cutout will be on the iPhone Fold’s internal screen. At the moment it is also unknown if the features available on classic iPhones, like the action button, MagSafe and camera control, will be part of this device, as Apple may have to choose between offering an innovative design and putting all the features we usually have on the iPhone Pro. The iPhone Fold is also expected to have high-level specs, with the latest A-series chip – likely the A20 Pro – and 12GB of RAM.
The most expensive iPhone may not be the best
While it’s interesting that iOS 27 code is starting to hint at this next device, rumors suggest that Apple’s most expensive iPhone yet – which is expected to cost around $2,000 – won’t be the best. With two rear cameras, Apple will have to choose between ditching the telephoto lens and the ultra-wide lens. For Pro users, a missing camera can make a huge difference, despite the innovative design and extra display space. On top of that, the lack of Face ID might also make some users unhappy with this phone.
After all, Apple has been saying for years that facial authentication is more secure than a fingerprint. Internally, the specifications of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold appear to be the same, meaning Apple won’t be adding more RAM or a slightly upgraded chip for its foldable device. Last but not least, iOS 27 allows users to enjoy the same cellular connection on two different devices, touting an ever-growing trend of people using two phones daily.
