Apple is poised to enter the foldable smartphone market with a device that will blur the lines between its iPhone and iPad lineups. Reports indicate the forthcoming iPhone Fold will offer an iPad-like multitasking experience when unfolded, allowing users to view apps side-by-side – a feature currently unavailable on standard iPhones. This move signals Apple’s intent to leverage the larger screen real estate of a foldable device to enhance productivity and user experience, though with some key distinctions from its tablet offerings.
The foldable iPhone, expected to debut in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, will run iOS 27, introducing novel interface elements designed for the unique form factor. While Apple is adapting its core apps with sidebars similar to those found on the iPad, the device will not be able to run existing iPad applications directly. This suggests a strategic approach focused on optimizing iPhone apps for the larger display rather than full compatibility with the iPad ecosystem. The new device is expected to feature an internal display roughly the size of an iPad mini, paired with an external screen comparable to a smaller iPhone.
Multitasking and App Adaptations
A core element of the iPhone Fold’s user experience will be its enhanced multitasking capabilities. The ability to run two apps simultaneously, presented in an iPad-like layout, aims to improve productivity for tasks like note-taking, research, and content creation. Apple is reportedly working with developers to enable them to adapt their iPhone software for the new interface, utilizing proportions similar to an iPad in landscape mode. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure a smooth transition for existing apps and a consistent user experience across devices. The wider aspect ratio of the inner display, similar to the original Google Pixel Fold, is designed to optimize video viewing and app usability.
Design Choices and Feature Trade-offs
To accommodate a thinner front display, Apple is expected to replace Face ID with Touch ID on the foldable iPhone. This represents a notable shift in biometric authentication for Apple, which has relied heavily on Face ID for its iPhone lineup since 2017. The device will also feature a hole-punch front-facing camera for selfies, and will support Dynamic Island features for Live Activities and notifications, despite the absence of a TrueDepth system. Apple reportedly tested an under-display camera for the inner screen, but image quality proved insufficient compared to the hole-punch solution.
The rear of the iPhone Fold will house a dual-camera system, a departure from the triple-lens setups found on some current iPhone models. This decision is attributed to space constraints within the foldable design. The outer display, when the phone is closed, will function as a standard iPhone display, providing access to apps and essential features.
iOS 27 and Developer Tools
The iPhone Fold will launch with iOS 27, which will include the software features tailored for the foldable form factor. While the full extent of these features won’t be revealed until WWDC in June, reports suggest a focus on adapting existing iPhone apps to take advantage of the larger screen. Apple is developing new iOS app layouts and revamping its core iPhone programs to add sidebars, mirroring the functionality found in many iPad apps. This approach aims to provide a familiar yet enhanced experience for users transitioning between devices.
The new interface will allow for side-by-side app usage, something only partially available in landscape mode on existing iPhones. This feature, combined with the iPad mini-sized inner display, positions the iPhone Fold as a versatile device for both communication and productivity.
Apple’s entry into the foldable market is anticipated to further refine the category, potentially influencing future iterations of foldable devices from other manufacturers. The focus on app adaptation and a unique design approach suggests Apple is aiming to carve out a distinct niche within the growing foldable smartphone landscape.
As Apple prepares for the September launch, developers are likely to ramp up efforts to optimize their apps for the new interface. The success of the iPhone Fold will depend heavily on the seamless integration of software and hardware, and the ability to deliver a compelling user experience that justifies the premium price point. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of Apple’s foldable ambitions.
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