February 16, 2026, 2:24 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
With iOS 26, Apple not only started a new numbering system but also gave the operating system a completely new, transparent interface. Liquid Glass isn’t for everyone, and many iOS issues that users have complained about for years haven’t been resolved by the new design. That’s why Apple now apparently wants to take the time to fix iOS 27—and possibly even make it more efficient and less energy-intensive in the end.
Apple Cleans Up System Code
As Mark Gurman of Bloomberg writes in his well-known newsletter “Power On,” iOS has become “somewhat chaotic under the hood.” With iOS 27, Apple aims to “clean up” the operating system. This includes removing old system code and optimizing functions and apps.
In recent years, bugs and performance issues have accumulated in the iPhone operating system. The planned changes are therefore intended to make iOS 27 leaner and more efficient. The code overhaul is also expected to positively impact battery life. According to Bloomberg, the company hopes for positive effects on energy efficiency.
Apple Sticks to Controversial Design
Apple Confirms Shorter Battery Life Due to iOS 26
Optimized Interface in iOS 27
In addition to changes in the system code, Bloomberg reports that adjustments to the user interface are also planned. Since the introduction of the Liquid Glass interface with iOS 26, Apple has already addressed user criticism multiple times. While iOS 27 is expected to bring only minor changes to the design language, it should eliminate known issues.
Preparation for iPhone Fold
While iOS 27 is unlikely to come without new features, the focus is clearly on streamlining and optimization. The timing is no coincidence: Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Fold, is set to be released in the fall. By then, the operating system must run stably enough to dynamically switch between the smaller outer and the large foldable display.
Apple also plans to integrate more AI features into iOS. The new Siri, based on Google Gemini, is expected to launch with an update for iOS 26. However, more revised features are likely to follow. A mature operating system with a stable foundation is a prerequisite for this.