While Apple’s silicon has significantly transformed the company’s product roster, notably the Mac, the overall aesthetic of Apple’s devices has not witnessed dramatic evolution in recent years.
Indeed, the iPhone 17 Pro presents subtle variances from the iPhone 16 Pro; yet, to the average user, they may appear virtually indistinguishable.
Furthermore, the 2026 MacBook Pro closely resembles its 2022 predecessor—one would need to delve into its specifications to discern the M-series chip it harbors.
However, the landscape may be on the verge of transformation. Speculation suggests that Apple is poised to unveil two pioneering devices in the near future: a foldable iPhone alongside a touchscreen MacBook.
These innovations could redefine Apple’s conventional offerings, providing users with their inaugural opportunity to engage with such features within the Apple ecosystem.
Current projections indicate these devices may launch within the upcoming update cycle—i.e., during the realm of iOS 27 and macOS 27.
Consequently, many have speculated whether Apple might make any references to these groundbreaking products at WWDC last week, when the company officially detailed its forthcoming updates.
The answer was no; yet, the firm may have inadvertently dropped hints suggesting these devices are on the horizon.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, both the initial betas for iOS 27 and macOS 27 are replete with indicators of the impending foldable iPhone and touchscreen MacBook.
While neither operating system exhibits overt signs exclaiming, “These gadgets are arriving shortly!” there are some rather telling cues.
Evidence for the iPhone Fold in Apple’s Betas
Let’s first examine Apple’s subtle cues regarding a prospective folding iPhone. Gurman indicates that the most conspicuous evidence emerges from macOS 27: the operating system’s revamped iPhone Mirroring application now accommodates a stretchable window capable of displaying layouts akin to those of an iPad, all while utilizing the same iOS software.
While this feature is beneficial for macOS users, it intimates that Apple is contemplating diverse window dimensions for iOS, likely integrating wide-formatted windows suitable for a foldable device.
Moreover, Apple has actively urged developers to prioritize “app adaptability.” This concept revolves around crafting applications that cater to a wide array of screen sizes.
Considering the iPhone currently contends with merely two aspect ratios, this counsel likely pertains to the impending iPhone Fold.
Perhaps the least overt, yet most telling piece of evidence involves code within the iOS 27 beta 1 that reportedly refers directly to a foldable device.
It indicates a product equipped with “multiple displays,” augmented sensors, and the capability to ascertain how “open” a device is. Unless Apple is developing a MacBook that operates on iOS, this description clearly resonates with a foldable iPhone.
Evidence for a Touchscreen MacBook in Apple’s Betas
If you are daring enough to explore the macOS 27 beta on your Mac, you might encounter an intriguing new feature: Apple now permits users to drag down various pages to refresh their content, mirroring the functionality on iOS and iPadOS.
For instance, one could utilize the trackpad or mouse to swipe down the inbox in Mail, seeking new messages.
This maneuver not only streamlines the user interface across devices but also suggests Apple may be porting a touch-based gesture to macOS…possibly in anticipation of a touchscreen Mac? This serves as Gurman’s initial piece of evidence.
Secondly, consider Sidecar, which enables users to transform their iPad into an external display for their Mac.
This concept is nothing novel; however, what is novel is that the macOS interface on your iPad has now become touch-sensitive.
Previously, interaction with macOS on your tablet necessitated an Apple Pencil, mouse, or trackpad, but within the beta version, touch interaction has become possible for the first time.
Lastly, Siri’s “Search or Ask” interface presents itself as a pill in macOS, mirroring its appearance on iOS. On the latter, this functionality exists in the Dynamic Island, which the Mac notably lacks.
Gurman asserts that Apple’s forthcoming touchscreen MacBook will feature a Dynamic Island; thus, this design decision bolsters his overarching premise.
Projected Release of the Foldable iPhone and Touchscreen MacBook
Apple traditionally refrains from officially revealing information about upcoming products until their formal announcement; hence, the exact release timeline remains uncertain.
Nevertheless, the persistent rumors regarding the foldable iPhone’s imminent launch have proliferated this year, with the iOS 27 beta seemingly affirming this speculation.
Anticipate the company’s inaugural foldable to debut during Apple’s annual iPhone event, expected to transpire in September.
Assessing the potential release date for a touchscreen MacBook is more complex, as Apple has never adhered to a consistent schedule for laptop unveilings. For his part, Gurman foresees its arrival in late 2026 or early 2027.
Source link: Au.lifehacker.com.
