iOS 27's Most Fascinating Change Might Stay Secret Until September

iOS 27 will be unveiled in just a few months at WWDC, but there's one rumored change that's likely to stay a secret until close to the September launch: iPhone Fold multitasking.

iPhone Fold multitasking will be a key iOS 27 change that's saved for September

We're just over three months away from WWDC, and with it Apple's unveiling of iOS 27, macOS 27, and other software updates. The latest rumors indicate iOS 27 will include:

• Big AI features like a chatbot version of Siri and new web search feature
• Snow Leopard-style focus on bug fixes and performance
• Some new UI updates

Out of all the rumored features though, there's one big change that we likely won't see in June: multitasking features for the iPhone Fold.

This fall's iPhone Fold will introduce a brand new iPhone form factor, and with it, new capabilities in iOS. Last summer, Mark Gurman at Bloomberg said iOS 27 would "prioritize software features tailored specifically to this new form factor." Specific details on those features are currently unknown.

But like with every other foldable smartphone, an upgraded multitasking experience is expected. The iPhone Fold's design indicates it will look and feel a lot like an iPad mini when unfolded. Since the iPad mini just got a powerful new windowing system in iPadOS 26, we may see similar capabilities come to iOS 27.

Whether Apple opts for a tiled, Split View-type multitasking setup or a more freeform windowing system, these iOS 27 changes aren't expected to be available on any iPhone except the foldable. Thus, Apple will almost certainly keep them a secret until the iPhone Fold is unveiled in September.

What do you hope to see from the iPhone Fold's multitasking capabilities in iOS 27? Let us know in the comments.

This strategic decision to withhold key features until the hardware launch makes sense from Apple's perspective. By keeping iPhone Fold-specific multitasking capabilities under wraps until September, Apple can create a more compelling narrative around the foldable iPhone's unique value proposition. The company has historically used this approach with other hardware-specific software features, such as ProMotion display support and camera capabilities that were initially limited to certain iPhone models.

The decision also reflects the technical challenges involved in optimizing iOS for a foldable form factor. Unlike traditional smartphones, foldables require sophisticated software that can seamlessly transition between folded and unfolded states, manage multiple active app windows, and handle the unique durability considerations of a folding display. By waiting until the hardware is ready for prime time, Apple can ensure the software experience is polished and reliable from day one.

For developers, this means an interesting challenge ahead. Those building apps for iOS 27 will need to prepare for a new paradigm in mobile multitasking, even if they won't see the full implementation until later in the year. The iPad mini's windowing system in iPadOS 26 provides some clues about what might be coming, but the iPhone Fold's smaller, more portable form factor will likely require Apple to adapt these concepts in unique ways.

The timing also creates an interesting dynamic for the broader smartphone market. With Samsung and other Android manufacturers already offering various foldable devices with their own multitasking implementations, Apple's entry into this space with iOS 27 could potentially set new standards for how foldable multitasking should work. The company's reputation for thoughtful, user-friendly design could influence how the entire industry approaches foldable interfaces.

As we approach WWDC, expect to hear plenty about iOS 27's AI features, performance improvements, and general UI updates. But if you're particularly interested in how Apple will handle multitasking on its first foldable iPhone, you'll likely need to wait until September to see the full picture.

What specific multitasking features would you like to see on the iPhone Fold? Would you prefer a simple split-screen approach similar to iPad's Split View, or something more sophisticated like the freeform windowing system that's been rumored? Share your thoughts in the comments below.