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Apple iOS 27 beta hints at dual‑battery foldable iPhone
Apple’s fourth developer beta of iOS 27 contains system strings that refer to “the batteries of this iPhone” and to a “battery health” status for multiple cells. The phrasing implies the operating system is being prepared for a device with two separate battery packs, a design commonly used in book‑fold smartphones. Media outlets including Macworld, MacRumors and Bloomberg have linked the code to a rumored “iPhone Ultra” – Apple’s first foldable iPhone – expected to be announced in September 2026 and to compete with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.
The same beta also reveals code for a “Restricted Mode” that can be triggered when a device enrolled in an Apple‑managed financing plan falls behind on payments. The feature, dubbed “App Managed Features” or “Partner Finance Lock,” would lock most apps and prevent device reset, resale or disassembly, while still allowing essential services such as Phone, Maps, Health and Find My. Reports cite 9to5Mac and The Verge describing the functionality as part of an upcoming Apple Upgrade subscription program that could lease iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watch for 24‑36 months.
Together, the dual‑battery and lease‑control code suggest Apple is gearing up for a new hardware category and a financing model that tightly integrates software restrictions with payment compliance.