Apple is expanding landscape mode support across a wide array of built-in apps in the iOS 27 beta. New support includes Health, Reminders, Home, and Weather, among others. Many of these apps now use a left-aligned sidebar, while the Messages app allows users to collapse that sidebar to show only profile pictures.

This shift marks a return to a design philosophy seen on older Plus models before the iPhone X ended Home Screen landscape support. Current updates include landscape support for Live Activities in the Dynamic Island. In apps like Music and Podcasts, the landscape view remains limited to the audio player for the time being.

These software changes likely prepare for the iPhone Ultra, a rumored foldable device. Leaks suggest this phone will use vapor chamber cooling and a crease-free hinge design. September is the expected release window for both the final iOS 27 build and the debut of this first foldable iPhone.

Users can access these new layouts by disabling Portrait Orientation Lock in the Control Center. This software overhaul transforms how system apps utilize screen real estate, moving away from the portrait-only constraints that defined the last several generations of hardware.