An iOS 27 beta version just confirmed a major iPhone Ultra feature – are you ready to join the fold?
The iOS 27 beta reference to "batteries" rather than "battery" tells us the foldable iPhone era is almost upon us.
Could the use of a single plural word within an iOS 27 beta confirm the biggest change to the iPhone design ever? It certainly seems that way.
A new version of the iOS 27 beta contains multiple references to “batteries” in an iPhone, which suggests a smartphone with more than one battery is on the way. That’s highly likely to be a reference to the forthcoming foldable iPhone – assumed to be called the iPhone Ultra.
The code references were spotted within the Battery Health portion of the operating system by Macworld. In multiple places, where it previously said “battery”, it now says “batteries”.
One string reads: “The batteries in this iPhone are performing as expected. Another string reads: “The health of the batteries in this iPhone has significantly degraded.” The site also spotted a reference to “one of the batteries” not being genuine.
Most foldable phones have deployed the strategy of splitting the battery between the two displays in order to keep the foldable devices as thin as possible. It’s also to ensure a balanced weight and thickness to help maintain durability and structural integrity. The two batteries also act independently of each other to assist with thermal management of the phone.
It’s the latest iPhone Ultra tip deriving from the iOS 27 beta. Other references to the fold state have also suggested the first foldable iPhone is on the way.
Apple is reportedly planning to share the iPhone Ultra at a launch event in early to mid-September. Whether it goes on sale immediately remains to be seen. Apple may choose to build up inventory and anticipation on the phone and release some time in October instead. Reports claim the phone may cost around $2,500. As for iOS 27, it’s available to trial in public beta right now ahead of its release on compatible devices.
Chris Smith
