The upcoming iOS 27 and macOS 27 Golden Gate updates expand drawing tools to more of Apple's built-in apps across the iPhone and Mac.
In the Messages app on iOS 27, there is a new "Drawing" option in the app drawer, which can be opened by tapping the plus sign in the bottom-left corner.
On older iOS versions, the Messages app once had a very basic drawing tool that was accessible by tapping a button on the keyboard in landscape orientation, but now Apple's complete set of Markup tools are available in the app.
On the Mac, macOS 27 adds the Markup tools to the Notes and Freeform apps.
iOS 27 and macOS 27 are currently available in developer beta. The updates are expected to be released to the general public in September.
Apple will release iOS 27 in September, and despite the company's focus this year on refining its flagship operating system and nixing bugs, there are still many additional features on the way, not least of which is Apple's new context-aware Siri, re-tooled for the generative AI era.
This year's major iPhone software update isn't all about AI, though, as the following feature list...
If you pay for certain iCloud+ storage plans beyond the 5GB that Apple offers for free, you will receive two more perks on iOS 27 at no additional cost.
A summary of the two new iCloud+ perks on iOS 27:Increased daily usage limits for some new Apple Intelligence features, including image generation in the revamped Image Playground app.
HomeKit Secure Video cameras receive generated video...
Apple today seeded the second betas of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming two weeks after Apple released the first betas following the WWDC 2026 keynote.
Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.
iOS 27 introduces Apple's smarter...
Interesting. Got a link? Even if it's built into the glass, I'm inclined to think there's thickness penalty somewhere, maybe in the glass itself. Pretty rare that something can be added for free.
“In his latest post on X (Twitter) ('https://x.com/mingchikuo/status/1968249865940709538'), Kuo writes that Apple's much-rumored OLED MacBook Pro will incorporate a touch panel using on-cell touch technology. On-cell touch technology integrates the touch sensors directly into the display panel's top layer (the "cell") rather than requiring a separate, dedicated touch layer.” https://www.macrumors.com/2025/09/17/kuo-2026-oled-macbook-pro-touch-panel/
I’m pretty sure the OLED iPad pros over the last couple years have all used this technology, and as you know, switching from mini LED to OLED still allowed them to shave off of over a millimeter in thickness. So either way, the smaller size requirements of OLED compared to mini LED will allow the display to be even thinner if Apple so chooses, touch or not.
I don't know if Pencil support is likely, but even if it's just touch, the display will likely need to get thicker due to the touch layer. And either way I think there would also need to be a change in form factor. Especially if there's Pencil support, but even if it's just touch, the current traditional clamshell form factor isn't ergonomically conducive. My preference would be a "floating" design somewhat like the iPad Magic Keyboard, but more like a Surface Laptop Studio.
There will be no separate touch layer. Apple has requested Samsung’s on cell tech for the 14 and 16 inch OLED MacBook pros, meaning that the touch layer is implemented directly into the display glass.
Honestly I think basic touch support is more likely. The screens are so thin on MacBook I’d almost be afraid to use the pencil . (Unless the new models drastically change that ofc)
I don't know if Pencil support is likely, but even if it's just touch, the display will likely need to get thicker due to the touch layer. And either way I think there would also need to be a change in form factor. Especially if there's Pencil support, but even if it's just touch, the current traditional clamshell form factor isn't ergonomically conducive. My preference would be a "floating" design somewhat like the iPad Magic Keyboard, but more like a Surface Laptop Studio.
Apple's first foldable iPhone, with a book-style design featuring a ~5.5-inch outer display and a ~7.8-inch inner display with a minimal crease down the middle.
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