iOS 27 Beta 4 Code Reveals New Multi-Battery iPhone Model

Multi-Battery Code Strings in iOS 27

The release of the fourth developer beta for iOS 27 has provided technical evidence that Apple is actively developing hardware with a distinct internal power architecture. Software developers discovered new strings within the system’s Battery Health monitoring tools that explicitly reference multiple batteries, a departure from the single-battery configuration found in every shipping iPhone model to date. Filipe Espósito, reporting for Macworld, noted that the new code strings explicitly state that they are intended for a multi-battery iPhone, alongside existing references to single-battery iPhones. The wording is notable, as the system now explicitly talks about the batteries in this iPhone and even mentions a situation where one of the batteries may not be a genuine Apple part.

According to reporting from Macworld, the code includes specific warnings for users regarding battery degradation and authenticity in a multi-cell environment. The system now accounts for scenarios where individual components may not meet Apple’s standards. The strings discovered include: The batteries in this iPhone are performing as expected, and another stating, the health of the batteries in this iPhone has significantly degraded.

Connecting the Hardware to the iPhone Ultra

Industry observers and supply chain analysts have long linked these software developments to the anticipated launch of Apple’s first foldable smartphone, frequently referred to as the “iPhone Ultra.” Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station revealed earlier this month that the forthcoming iPhone Ultra is likely to include two separate internal batteries. While this is not uncommon for foldable smartphones, it would be a first for the iPhone. The folding iPhone Ultra is expected to utilize a dual-battery system, with separate batteries on both sides of the display.

Per a regulatory filing, the two batteries will have capacities of 1,921mAh and 2,962mAh respectively, for a total of 4,883mAh. All of this supports what has previously been reported about the iPhone Ultra, which is expected to be unveiled in early September. As noted in the source reporting, no shipping iPhone today would ever trigger these strings, as every current model contains a single battery.

Broader iOS 27 Foldable Support

There have been previous code leaks in earlier iOS 27 versions revealing that a foldable iPhone is coming, including references to an iPhone with multiple displays. These findings align with reports that the software is being engineered to manage new hardware configurations.

iOS 27 was originally unveiled at Apple’s WWDC and includes features such as an AI-powered Siri, a redesigned Screen Time app, Liquid Glass customizations, and deeper Apple Intelligence integration. The stable version of iOS 27 is expected this fall alongside new iPhones. Users who wish to test the software early can access the public beta, which officially launched on July 13, a few weeks after the first developer beta rolled out at WWDC. While Apple has not officially confirmed the foldable device, the current software roadmap and the appearance of these specific battery strings in the fourth developer beta point toward the reported September unveiling.

Sources: 9to5mac, Macworld.