Now that the iOS 27 beta is in developers’ hands after the WWDC 2026 keynote, we’re getting more hints that Apple is already setting the stage for the foldable iPhone launch rumored for later this year. As noted by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, there are not-so-subtle clues in iOS 27 that hint at the iPhone’s foldable future for those who know where to look. There are also features peppered throughout iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate that point in a similar direction.
First, there are code strings in files in the iOS 27 developer beta, spotted by software researcher M1Astra and shared with Bloomberg, that determine whether the device is folded or unfolded. “One mechanism is referred to internally as ‘foldState.’ There are also entries labeled ‘mechanicalAngleDegrees’ and ‘angleDegrees,’ suggesting the software can determine how widely a device is opened around its hinge,” Gurman says.
The operating system also makes mention of a secondary display, cover glass and two additional light sensors in a tool related to display repairs.
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Elsewhere, iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate include new features that would be helpful if you’re working with an iPhone that has an adaptable display. Some widgets in iOS 27 are available in a full-page width, while macOS Golden Gate’s iPhone screen mirroring now lets you resize the window to more iPad-like layouts. Apple is also highlighting app adaptability in a developer presentation at WWDC 2026, emphasizing designing their apps for a dynamic range of sizes and aspect ratios, rather than targeting specific devices.
Apple’s foldable iPhone has been rumored for a long time, but hints like these add further credence to indications that the company is preparing to launch it this fall alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. It’s rumored to be called “iPhone Ultra” and may cost around $2,000. Dummy units that allegedly show the device’s dimensions have popped up online in recent weeks, showing a wide front display that unfolds to reveal an iPad-like screen inside.
While we may still have a while to wait for the official reveal of the foldable iPhone, you can catch up on everything announced at WWDC 2026 for an early peek at the overhauled Siri and Apple’s upcoming software updates.