Rumors of a foldable iPhone have been around for years, but a new discovery in an early build of iOS 27 has brought the discussion back into focus. Developers exploring Apple's latest software reportedly found code references that appear linked to foldable devices.
The findings have sparked fresh speculation that Apple could be working on a premium product that many analysts have informally dubbed ‘iPhone Ultra.’ Apple has not confirmed the news yet, as the company rarely discusses future products. However, software clues like these often offer an early glimpse into what the tech giant may be working on behind the scenes.
According to reports, the early iOS 27 build includes terms such as ‘foldState’ and ‘mechanicalAngleDegrees.’ In simple terms, these features could allow a device to recognize whether it is closed, partially open, or fully unfolded.
Developers also spotted references that suggest support for multiple displays. This stands out because current iPhones rely on a single screen. Software code is not proof that a product is on the way. However, Apple usually builds operating system support for new hardware long before it unveils a device to the public.
The results of this report are perfectly consistent with other improvements made by iOS 27. Apple has developed more capabilities for adaptive app design, adaptive resizing of screens, and designing interfaces that work well on differently sized screens.
This is especially necessary for the growing popularity of foldable devices. People expect their apps to automatically transition from one screen (the smaller one on the outside) to another (the bigger one on the inside). The latest source codes indicate that Apple may be working on it.
Despite the popularity of foldable phones, however, Apple continues to stay out of the market. Companies like Samsung, Google, and Huawei have been working on perfecting their foldable phone technologies for quite some time now.
Many analysts feel that this is the approach that Apple is taking. Instead of developing something quickly and launching it, the tech giant seems keen on resolving issues with durability and screen quality, among others.
This is not an unusual approach from the company. In fact, Apple is known for always entering the market late but improving the product category nonetheless.
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For now, no one else but Apple has a clue. The term ‘iPhone Ultra’ was coined by analysts and industry experts. Nevertheless, it is strategic how Apple reserves the ‘Ultra’ label for its high-end products.
iOS 27 does not indicate when, how, or what kind of foldable iPhone will hit the market or even what it might be called. What can be assumed here is that Apple is developing software for the next-generation iPhone.