iPhone Fold: Apple’s First Foldable Phone – Features & Rumors

Rumors surrounding a foldable iPhone are intensifying, with predictions suggesting Apple’s first foray into the category could arrive this fall. After years of speculation, the device, often referred to as the iPhone Fold, is expected to introduce several new features, including multitasking capabilities similar to those found on the iPad.

Whereas promising, the multitasking experience on the iPhone Fold will reportedly have some limitations. Apple is not expected to fully replicate the iPad’s multitasking functionality at launch.

New Interface When the Screen is Opened

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPhone Fold will present a new user interface when unfolded.

When the foldable display is extended, users will reportedly be able to run two apps side-by-side, enabling a more flexible multitasking experience than currently available on standard iPhones. This represents a significant upgrade, as iPhones have historically been limited to picture-in-picture functionality for running multiple applications simultaneously. The limited support for picture-in-picture highlights the potential for a more versatile user experience with the foldable model.

However, the feature will not be without constraints, as Apple has not yet fully implemented the multitasking experience found on iPad devices.

Still Running iOS, Not iPadOS

Notably, the iPhone Fold is expected to run iOS, rather than iPadOS, the operating system used on iPads.

This means the device likely won’t be able to run iPad-specific applications natively. The multitasking system offered will also be less complex than that of the iPad. IPadOS currently supports a more advanced multitasking system, approaching a desktop-like experience, allowing users to open multiple app windows and arrange them freely. The iPhone Fold’s multitasking is anticipated to be limited to displaying two apps side-by-side without a flexible windowing system.

Apple Updates Native Apps

Despite these limitations, Apple is working to optimize the iPhone Fold’s larger screen. One approach is updating native apps to be more comfortable to use on the expanded display.

Several core Apple apps are expected to receive sidebars on the left side of the screen, improving navigation speed and efficiency. Apple will reportedly provide developers with tools to adapt their iPhone apps for optimal performance on the larger screen. This could lead to future iPhone apps having a look and feel more similar to their iPad counterparts.

This step is crucial to maintaining a consistent user experience when the device is used in its open mode.

Addressing Foldable Display Challenges

During the development of the iPhone Fold, Apple also studied existing weaknesses in current foldable phones.

The same report indicates the Cupertino-based company identified two primary issues frequently complained about by foldable phone users. First, the internal screen can feel narrow when in use. Second, the crease in the middle of the screen is still visible when the device is opened.

To address these issues, Apple reportedly developed new screen technology to reduce the appearance of the crease. However, this technology hasn’t entirely eliminated the crease. The crease will likely still be visible, but less noticeable than on existing foldable devices.

Focus on Hinge Durability

Beyond the screen, Apple is also prioritizing hinge durability. This component is a critical and vulnerable part of foldable devices.

Apple reportedly aims to ensure the iPhone Fold’s hinge can withstand long-term use, increasing the number of open-and-close cycles the device can endure before experiencing damage. This is important because foldable phone users typically open and close their devices multiple times each day.

Front-Facing Camera Without Face ID

The iPhone Fold’s design is also expected to differ slightly from current iPhone models. Apple is reportedly planning to use a punch-hole design for the front-facing camera on the external display, eliminating the notch seen on recent iPhone generations.

the report states that the external display of the iPhone Fold is too thin to accommodate Face ID sensors. Apple will likely replace the biometric authentication system with Touch ID, integrated into the device’s side button, similar to some iPad models.

Dynamic Island Will Remain

Despite using a punch-hole camera, the iPhone Fold is expected to retain the Dynamic Island feature, allowing users to receive real-time information from apps, such as navigation, music, or other activities.

This is expected to maintain a familiar user experience for modern iPhone users.

Design Resembling Two iPhones Combined

In terms of design, the iPhone Fold is expected to look like two iPhones placed side-by-side when opened, featuring dual rear cameras and a significantly larger internal display than standard iPhones.

The price of the iPhone Fold is estimated to be around USD 2,000, making it one of the most expensive iPhones ever created. The high price point reflects the innovative technology and engineering required to produce a foldable device.

If these rumors prove accurate, the iPhone Fold could be a major step for Apple into the foldable phone market. By offering more flexible multitasking and a larger screen, the device has the potential to deliver a new experience for iPhone users. However, the limitations of the operating system and some design compromises suggest Apple is proceeding cautiously with foldable screen technology.

Now, Apple fans can only wait for the official introduction of the device.