Apple is gearing up to kick off development of iOS 27, and insiders say the update will be laser-focused on optimizing the user interface for its highly anticipated foldable iPhone. 
After showcasing the striking ‘Liquid Glass’ design overhaul in the iOS 26 preview, Apple seems committed to refining the visual experience even further, especially as it shifts toward a more flexible future in mobile tech.
The foldable iPhone, rumored to arrive late next year, is expected to feature a book-style design with a 5.5-inch external screen and a 7.8-inch primary foldable display. Competing brands like Samsung have had years to master UI adaptability across folding formats, but Apple is still in the early stages of learning to play in this space.
To ensure its interface feels intuitive and premium out of the box, Apple is reportedly fast-tracking the development of iOS 27. While an official timeline hasn’t been announced, Mark Gurman’s ‘Power On’ newsletter-spotted by French tech site Consomac-suggests that Apple engineers will begin work on the OS very soon.
At WWDC sessions, Apple hinted at the upcoming direction by confirming that the iOS 26 SDK no longer allows apps to be letterboxed or scaled for newer screen dimensions. This appears to be a foundational move to prep the ecosystem for foldable screen support with zero UI hiccups.
Additionally, Apple may be working on features akin to Samsung’s Flex Mode, allowing partial folding for a mini-laptop experience. If so, the foldable iPhone could debut with an entirely new kind of multitasking interface, potentially redefining how users interact with their devices in hybrid modes.
For now, these are the early signs of a major shift in Apple’s mobile strategy. As more leaks and previews surface, iOS 27 is shaping up to be the company’s most ambitious update in years.