[News] Apple Foldable Takes Shape as iOS 27 Reveals Flexible-Display Support; Smart Glasses Plans Also Emerge
Apple is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market in 2H26, and new software developments are offering fresh clues about the company’s plans. According to Bloomberg, iOS 27 and related software updates have revealed references to foldable hardware and features tailored for larger, flexible displays, fueling expectations for a future foldable iPhone. The device is expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro family in September, with a starting price of roughly US$2,000, the report adds.
Bloomberg notes that code strings found in hidden files within the first developer beta of iOS 27 reportedly reference whether a device is folded or unfolded. Several user-facing features in iOS 27 also appear designed with larger, flexible displays in mind.
Some widgets can now be displayed in a full-screen format on the iPhone, enabling apps such as Music, News, and Weather to occupy an entire home screen. The capability could be particularly useful on a foldable iPhone, where a larger display would better accommodate side-by-side content, the report notes.
Bloomberg also points to updates in macOS 27 Golden Gate, where Apple has enhanced its iPhone Mirroring feature to support iPad-sized layouts for connected iPhones. The move suggests larger, tablet-like interfaces may be a key part of the foldable iPhone experience.
Beyond the features introduced in iOS 27, Apple also appears to be laying the groundwork for foldable devices through its developer tools. As the report notes, the company highlighted a concept called “app adaptability” during its Platforms State of the Union presentation, aimed at helping developers build applications that can seamlessly support a wider range of screen sizes and aspect ratios.
Apple’s entry could mark a major turning point for the foldable smartphone market. TrendForce estimates that Apple, leveraging its strong brand positioning and consumer anticipation, could capture nearly 20% market share in 2026, compressing the share of competitors such as Samsung Electronics and Huawei to around 30% each.
New Details Emerge on Apple’s Smart Glasses Plans
Meanwhile, as Bloomberg highlights, similar software clues have also emerged for other future Apple hardware, including camera-equipped AirPods and smart glasses. For example, the new Vision Pro operating system includes the ability to recognize and analyze real-world objects in a user’s surroundings, a capability that may align with Apple’s broader efforts in the wearables category.
Further details have also emerged regarding Apple’s smart glasses ambitions. According to 9to5Mac, citing Bloomberg, Apple Glasses likely won’t launch until late 2027 and will likely focus on the broader eyewear market. The report says Apple is taking a playbook similar to the Apple Watch, targeting the roughly US$200–500 segment. Competitors in that market include EssilorLuxottica SA (Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, Oliver Peoples, and Chanel), Safilo Group SpA (Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss), and Warby Parker.
Read more
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