Apple is about to kick off development work on its iOS 27 operating system coming next year that will reportedly include software features for a foldable iPhone.
Apple is expected to release its first foldable iPhone in 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. The device will be powered by Apple’s iOS 27 operating system that will be released as a free software update for compatible iPhones in September 2026. It’ll pack software features created specifically for a foldable iPhone, which should come with iOS 27 preinstalled.
“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,” Mark Gurman wrote in the latest edition of his Power On newsletter for Bloomberg.
iOS 27 to include features tailored for a foldable iPhone
Gurman goes on to describe how Apple’s first foldable device might stack up against foldable and flippable smartphones from Samsung. Google and others. Whereas before Apple would enter a product category in need of disruption with a much better product, this time around the company will be entering the market that’s pretty well developed and established, largely thanks to Samsung, which has been investing in foldable smartphones and display technologies for seven years now.
Apple will, however, offer some perks not found on competing devices, at least in the short term. First, a foldable iPhone should have a virtually invisible inner display crease thanks to Samsung’s latest crease-proof display technology. And second, Apple probably has a sophisticated hinge mechanism that should be much more durable and reliable. The phone should be around 4.8mm thick when unfolded.
Gurman says Apple’s newfound love for foldables stems from poor iPhone sales in China, where foldable smartphones are particularly popular. Gurman notes that “consumers in the region have shown a particular preference for the book-style form factor (the one Apple is pursuing) over the emerging flip-phone-style design.”
A big moment for the foldable category
The first foldable iPhone has been projected to cost around $2,000, which will help increase iPhone revenue and improve its standing in China. “Ultimately, Apple’s foldable won’t revolutionize the category, at least not on day one,” says Gurman.
“But it will still be a big moment for the industry. With its brand power, marketing muscle and engineering refinements, Apple could once again turn a niche product into a global hit. It just won’t be the innovation breakthrough that we’re used to.”
Gurman also wrote in the newsletter that Apple’s next iPad Pro refresh coming this fall won’t just bring Apple’s unreleased M5 chip but also a second front-facing camera for natural-looking video calls in any orientation.