Apple is rumoured to be making its debut in the foldable smartphone segment later this year, with a foldable iPhone. The new device may come with some features, akin to the iPad, when it comes to multitasking, allowing users to maximise the large inner screen when unfolded.
According to a report by Bloomberg, the Cupertino giant is working on bringing new features to iOS that would make multitasking easier for the iPhone fold – making the device almost like a hybrid between the iPhone and the iPad. Here is how it may work.
iPhone when folded, iPad when unfolded
As per the report, the iPhone fold will work similar to any other iPhone when the inner screen is folded. That is, when you use the outer display, you can expect the usual iOS experience, such as the app dock on the homescreen.
However, things get interesting when it comes to the inner display. The inner screen is rumoured to be around 7.8 inches in size, making it ideal for multitasking. Apple may implement new UI features that would allow users to use two apps side-by-side, something that has been restricted to iPads so far.
The Cupertino giant is also said to be working on a sidebar that may make it easier to open different apps. Developers will likely be given the option to adapt their existing apps for the new interface. If the report is accurate, users will be able to maximise the screen real estate via this new interface.
The new features will likely come as part of the iOS 27 update. However, Apple is not expected to showcase the new interface when it previews the update at Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June this year.
iPhone fold, here is everything you need to know
When it comes to the hardware, the iPhone fold is expected to come with a 4:3 aspect ratio, making it wider than foldables such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Though Apple’s foldable is said to be more compact with an outer screen of 5.5 inches, while the inner display may measure 7.8 inches. Both screens will likely use AMOLED panels.
However, Apple is unlikely to bring Face ID to the iPhone fold. Instead, the displays will have cutouts only for the cameras, along with a Touch ID sensor on the power button. The foldable iPhone is also expected to pack two rear cameras.
Under the hood, the iPhone fold will likely use the yet-to-be-announced A20 Pro chipset, the same processor that is expected to power the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models.
iPhone fold launch and expected price
The iPhone fold will likely be the most expensive iPhone ever. Reports suggest that the device may be priced at $2,400 (roughly Rs 2,15,000) in the US. To give you some perspective, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts in India at Rs 1,74,999.
The foldable iPhone is expected to launch in September 2026.
