Split-screen multitasking is finally coming to iPhones, just not the one in your hands

Jeff Liu··2 min read·Consumer Tech
Split-screen multitasking is finally coming to iPhones, just not the one in your hands
ListenSplit-screen multitasking is finally coming to iPhones, just not the one in your hands
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Key Takeaways

  1. 1Apple's foldable iPhone will feature side-by-side app multitasking.
  2. 2Its inner display size will be comparable to an iPad mini.
  3. 3The device runs iOS 27, but without existing iPad app support.
  4. 4It will retain the Dynamic Island but reportedly skip Face ID.
Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone is set to finally bring a highly anticipated feature to the iOS ecosystem: true split-screen multitasking. Unlike current iPhones, this forthcoming device will allow users to run two apps side-by-side on its larger inner display, creating an experience akin to that found on an iPad, according to Digital Trends. This marks a significant shift for Apple, which has historically kept its smartphone multitasking capabilities more limited.

Unlocking New Multitasking Possibilities

The core of the foldable iPhone's innovation lies in its redesigned interface, optimized for a larger, folding screen. This device will feature an interior foldable display roughly the size of an iPad Mini's screen, according to Bloomberg. When unfolded, the operating system is being specifically tailored to behave more like an iPad, expanding apps into wider layouts and enabling simultaneous use of two applications.

While the device will run iOS, not iPadOS, the focus is on a tablet-like experience in a portable form factor. 9to5Mac reports that Apple is developing new iOS app layouts and revamping its core iPhone programs to include sidebars along the left edge of the screen, mirroring many of its iPad apps . This design ensures that developers can adapt their existing iPhone software for the new interface, which will utilize proportions similar to an iPad in landscape mode.

Design Choices and Feature Set

Apple's approach to its first foldable contrasts with some existing designs in the market. The inner screen is rumored to have a wider aspect ratio, making it well-suited for side-by-side applications and media consumption. However, a key distinction will be its inability to run existing iPad apps, a strategic decision that prevents potential cannibalization of iPad sales, as suggested byThe Verge.

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