Apple iOS 27 Beta Code Strongly Suggests Imminent Foldable iPhone Launch
Apple's latest iOS 27 beta code reveals strong indications of an upcoming foldable iPhone. References like "foldState" and "angleDegrees," absent in iOS 26, confirm development of a device rumored as "iPhone Ultra." This suggests a potential launch as early as this year, marking Apple's significant entry into the foldable smartphone market.
Key points
- iOS 27 beta code includes "foldState," "angleDegrees," "mechanicalAngleDegrees," and "isanglevalid."
- These foldable references were absent in the prior iOS 26 version.
- The discoveries were noted by developers around June 8, 2026.
- A launch is hinted to coincide with iOS 27's final release, potentially in September.
- The rumored device name for Apple's first foldable is "iPhone Ultra."
Apple's iOS 27 developer beta has unveiled compelling code references strongly indicating the imminent arrival of a foldable iPhone. Software engineers Sam Henri Gold and M1Astra have identified several key terms within the framework, including "foldState," "angleDegrees," "mechanicalAngleDegrees," and "isanglevalid." These snippets, which also include checks for multiple built-in displays, were conspicuously absent from iOS 26, underscoring a new stage in Apple's product development.
The presence of such specific terms is widely interpreted as concrete evidence of an Apple-made foldable device in advanced stages of development. The "foldState" and "angleDegrees" references suggest the operating system is designed to detect whether the phone is folded or unfolded and at what precise angle, hinting at a sophisticated free-stop hinge mechanism.
While not officially confirmed, the device is widely rumored to be the "iPhone Ultra," marking Apple's foray into the growing foldable smartphone sector. The timing of these discoveries, coupled with the functionality implied, suggests a potential launch alongside the final public release of iOS 27, which typically occurs in September. This move would position Apple directly against established players in the foldable market, potentially introducing features akin to Android's Flex Mode for hands-free multimedia or split-screen interactions. This development signifies a major shift for Apple, poised to redefine its premium smartphone offerings with innovative form factors.
Sources
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