According to hidden files in the iOS 27 developer beta, Apple could be on track for a foldable iPhone release this autumn. The software references suggest that the device might use multiple displays and interpret its folded state, setting high expectations for their first attempt at a folding phone.

While Samsung and Huawei have been making foldables since 2019, Apple’s entry is likely to face scrutiny over design and functionality. For consumers, the thickness of these devices could be crucial; a second screen might not trump simple convenience. Apple’s progress in reducing iPhone size with the iPhone Air model hints at potential innovations for a foldable device.

The fall release date means that when Apple unveils its newest hardware in September, we might finally see their take on folding technology. With iOS 27, which was unveiled at Monday's WWDC keynote, ready to support such features, the tech giant appears well-prepared.

However, whether this foldable innovation will be more than a novelty remains to be seen. The allure of a thinner device may outshine that of an extra screen for many users. As always with Apple, the question is not so much if it can do something, but how beautifully and elegantly they might pull it off.