While the keynote spotlight remained firmly on Siri’s major AI overhaul and the latest Apple Intelligence features, developers digging through the first iOS 27 beta believe they have uncovered some of the clearest signs yet that Apple is preparing a foldable iPhone.
According to reports, the software contains code strings such as “foldState”, “mechanicalAngleDegrees” and “angleDegrees”, suggesting iOS 27 can monitor whether a device is folded, unfolded and the exact position of a hinge.
Similarly, updates to iPhone Mirroring in macOS 27 allow users to resize mirrored iPhone windows into wider, tablet-like formats.
These software developments align with ongoing industry speculation that Apple is preparing its first foldable smartphone.
However, if the references discovered in iOS 27 are any indication, the company may already be laying the software groundwork for one of the biggest hardware shifts in iPhone history.
CUPERTINO: Apple may have kept its cards close to its chest at WWDC 2026, but it appears the company may have accidentally let the cat fold out of the bag.
While the keynote spotlight remained firmly on Siri’s major AI overhaul and the latest Apple Intelligence features, developers digging through the first iOS 27 beta believe they have uncovered some of the clearest signs yet that Apple is preparing a foldable iPhone.
According to reports, the software contains code strings such as “foldState”, “mechanicalAngleDegrees” and “angleDegrees”, suggesting iOS 27 can monitor whether a device is folded, unfolded and the exact position of a hinge. The beta also reportedly includes references to the number of built-in displays, a feature that would be unnecessary on existing single-screen iPhones.
Additional clues have reportedly surfaced within Apple’s diagnostic and repair tools. References to a secondary display, secondary cover glass and extra ambient light sensors have fuelled speculation that the company is preparing software support for a dual-screen foldable device.
The reported findings are particularly noteworthy because several features announced during WWDC 2026 already appear well suited to larger, flexible displays. Apple’s new full-page widgets for Music, Weather and News, for example, could make far greater use of the screen real estate offered by a book-style foldable handset.
Similarly, updates to iPhone Mirroring in macOS 27 allow users to resize mirrored iPhone windows into wider, tablet-like formats. Apple also introduced a new App Adaptability framework, encouraging developers to optimise apps for a broader range of screen sizes and aspect ratios.
These software developments align with ongoing industry speculation that Apple is preparing its first foldable smartphone. Reports cited by Bloomberg suggest the device could arrive alongside the iPhone 18 lineup later this year.
Rumoured specifications include a 5.5-inch outer display, a 7.8-inch inner screen, an ultra-thin design, a side-mounted Touch ID sensor and an A20 Pro processor built using advanced manufacturing technology from TSMC. The device is also expected to command a premium price, potentially exceeding $2,000.
Apple has yet to comment on the reports. However, if the references discovered in iOS 27 are any indication, the company may already be laying the software groundwork for one of the biggest hardware shifts in iPhone history.
