Often referred to as the “iPhone Fold,” the device has become one of the most widely discussed unreleased products in the technology industry. Mock-ups created by technology enthusiasts indicate the phone may resemble a compact iPhone when folded and expand into a tablet-sized display similar to the iPad mini when unfolded. Reports also suggest Apple has made significant progress in reducing or eliminating the screen crease typically seen in foldable displays.
However, questions remain about the software experience. According to reports from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple may not allow the device to run full tablet-style multitasking features despite its larger display.
Historically, Apple separated its mobile operating systems in 2019 by introducing iPadOS for tablets, while the iPhone continued running iOS. The tablet system added several advanced multitasking tools, including multi-window support and Split View, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously.
While many iPadOS features have gradually appeared on iPhones over time, full multi-window multitasking has remained exclusive to the iPad. Analysts argue that a foldable iPhone with a tablet-sized screen should logically support these capabilities.
The debate intensified after developer Jesai Tarun demonstrated a modified setup that allowed iPadOS-style multitasking to run on an iPhone, suggesting that the two operating systems share more similarities than Apple publicly acknowledges.
Despite this, reports indicate the foldable iPhone may only support limited multitasking features, such as sidebars and a two-app split-screen mode similar to the existing Split View function on iPads.
Industry observers believe Apple may restrict certain capabilities to prevent overlap between its product categories. If a foldable iPhone fully replicated the iPad’s functionality, it could reduce demand for Apple’s tablet lineup.
Another concern involves app developers. Apple is expected to encourage developers to adapt their apps for the foldable display, but adoption may depend on how widely the device sells. If the iPhone Fold launches as a niche product with a high price tag — possibly exceeding $2,000 — many developers may hesitate to invest time in optimizing their applications.
The situation highlights a broader debate about Apple’s approach to hardware and software integration. While competitors in the Android ecosystem have offered advanced multitasking on foldable phones for several years, Apple has traditionally taken a more cautious approach to introducing new features.
If the rumours prove accurate, the foldable iPhone could offer powerful hardware but a more limited multitasking experience than its tablet-sized display might suggest.
