Apple is reportedly prioritising foldable iPhone features in its upcoming iOS 27 update, as the company prepares to enter the foldable smartphone market for the first time next year.
Apple is reportedly prioritising features for its foldable iPhone in the upcoming iOS 27 update.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, development of iOS 27 will “formally kick off soon” with a focus on software designed to optimise the supposed foldable iPhone’s unique hardware and user experience.
The foldable iPhone, expected to debut in late 2026, will mark Apple’s first entry into a category dominated by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.
While the device is said to share a similar book-style design and use foldable OLED panels supplied by Samsung Display, Apple is reportedly working on engineering refinements such as a less visible crease and an improved hinge mechanism.
Gurman said: “Apple aims to make the inner display crease less visible and dramatically improve the hinge mechanism.”
He added that the iOS 27 update will “prioritize software features tailored specifically to this new form factor,” including optimisations for multitasking, app continuity, and enhanced split-screen functionality.
The foldable smartphone market has seen rising demand, particularly in China, where brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, and Vivo have found success with larger foldable designs.
Apple is reportedly keen to capitalise on this trend to boost sales and reinvigorate its presence in key markets.
Although details remain unconfirmed, the foldable iPhone is rumoured to carry a premium price tag of at least $2,000.
The combination of Apple’s established brand loyalty and marketing strategy could give the device a strong competitive edge, even if its launch comes years after Samsung pioneered the segment.
More information about iOS 27 is expected to be revealed at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2026, ahead of the foldable iPhone’s anticipated launch later that year.
Apple’s iOS 27 ‘to focus on new features for foldable iPhone’
