Fresh evidence shows Apple will launch its first ever foldable iPhone and MacBook with touchscreen

Fresh software clues in iOS 27 and macOS 27 suggest Apple may be quietly preparing for a foldable iPhone and a future touchscreen MacBook. While not confirmed, these changes hint that Apple is adapting its ecosystem for new device formats.

In Short

• iOS 27 code hints at multi-display and foldable-style hardware support
• macOS updates suggest possible touchscreen MacBook features in future
• Reports say Apple is laying groundwork ahead of a potential foldable iPhone launch

For years, rumours about a foldable iPhone and a touchscreen MacBook have surfaced repeatedly, but Apple has never publicly acknowledged either product. Now, fresh clues hidden within Apple's latest software updates are fuelling speculation that both devices may finally be moving closer to reality. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that iOS 27 and macOS 27 contain early signs of hardware categories that Apple has yet to announce. While none of the discoveries directly confirm upcoming products, they indicate that Apple is preparing its software for devices with very different form factors than those currently available.

Apple appears to be preparing for larger iPhone screens

Several changes discovered in Apple's newest software point toward a future iPhone with a significantly larger display. One example is an update to iPhone Mirroring on the Mac, which can now accommodate layouts that extend well beyond the dimensions of today's iPhone screens.

Apple has also been encouraging developers to build apps that can smoothly adapt to different screen sizes and orientations. Although the company presented this as a general improvement, such guidance could become increasingly important if a foldable iPhone joins the lineup.

Additional references found in iOS 27 beta code reportedly mention hardware with multiple displays and software that can react based on how a device is positioned or opened. These capabilities are commonly associated with foldable products, adding to expectations that Apple's first foldable iPhone could arrive in the near future.

Current rumours suggest Apple's foldable handset will feature a book-style design with a smaller outer screen and a larger display inside. Reports also indicate that Apple has invested heavily in reducing the visible crease that remains a challenge for many foldable phones currently on the market.

Mac updates revive touchscreen MacBook speculation

The latest version of macOS has also sparked discussion about a touchscreen Mac. Gurman notes that Apple has introduced interface tweaks that appear more useful on touch-enabled hardware than on traditional laptops.

Among them is support for pull-to-refresh interactions, a feature widely used on smartphones and tablets. Apple has also expanded touch functionality through Sidecar, allowing users to interact more naturally with macOS when using an iPad as a secondary display.

Another detail attracting attention is the redesigned Siri search interface on the Mac. Its appearance resembles design elements seen on modern iPhones, leading some observers to believe Apple is gradually aligning the experience across its devices.

Launch timeline: Leaked details so far

Reports suggest Apple could launch its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series as early as this year, though manufacturing challenges may affect availability. As for a touchscreen MacBook, it could arrive at the end of this year or by early 2027. There is still no clear launch timeline. But, the latest software developments suggest Apple may be laying the groundwork for future products long before they officially arrive. You can stay tuned to India Today Tech for all the updates.

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