iOS 27 provides the strongest indication that a foldable iPhone is imminent.
Resizable iPhone applications could signify Apple's initial move towards a foldable iPhone
During Apple's WWDC 2026 event, a multitude of significant software announcements were made, including updates to Siri AI, enhanced child safety features, and the latest operating system improvements for iPhones, Macs, and iPads. It was only a matter of time before someone uncovered something intriguing in the new software, and developer Sam Henri Gold may have just stumbled upon a pivotal clue indicating that Apple is set to introduce a foldable iPhone in the near future.
iOS 27 is subtly gearing up apps for a foldable future
Sam Henri Gold took to X to share his discovery of multiple references within the iOS 27 framework that seem closely related to foldable hardware. These references include terms like “foldState,” “angleDegrees,” and a key concerning the number of integrated displays.
Notably, the Platforms State of the Union presented at WWDC26 also discussed upcoming changes to SwiftUI, encouraging developers to enhance app functionality across various screen sizes and aspect ratios. This aligns nicely with Gold's findings. For a foldable iPhone, apps would need to adapt seamlessly when transitioning from a smaller outer display to a larger inner screen, and the operating system would need to discern whether the device is closed, open, or positioned at an angle.
The speculated iPhone Ultra might take inspiration from the iPad
The rumored foldable iPhone, often called the iPhone Ultra, is expected to function more like a compact iPad when opened. It is anticipated to have a 7.76- to 7.8-inch OLED inner display with a 4:3 aspect ratio and a 5.3- to 5.5-inch outer OLED screen.
A 4:3 inner display fits the aspect ratio that Apple has utilized for the iPad for many years, making it ideal for reading, web browsing, multitasking, and split-screen app configurations. If Apple applies this concept to the iPhone Ultra, the unfolded device could provide an experience that resembles that of a small iPad rather than a conventional foldable smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
In relation to Samsung, the company appears to be pursuing a similar direction. Its anticipated Galaxy Z Fold Wide is expected to adopt a wider, more tablet-like design, positioning it as a more direct competitor to Apple's projected iPhone Ultra than the existing Galaxy Z Fold 7. This broader form factor may require some adjustment, but it aligns more closely with the original vision for foldables: a tablet that folds down into a smartphone that can be conveniently pocketed.
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iOS 27 provides the strongest indication that a foldable iPhone is imminent.
The modifications in Apple’s SwiftUI and the new framework references in iOS 27 indicate that the company might be preparing apps for an iPhone that operates on two separate displays.
