Apple iPhone Fold Could Bring iPad-Style Multitasking to the Inner Screen, With a Few Surprising Limits

-Carlsen Martin

Published: Thursday, March 12, 2026, 15:40 [IST]

Apple is reported to be preparing its first foldable iPhone for launch later this year, with a focus on a large inner screen and software tuned for multitasking. The device, widely referred to as the “iPhone Fold”, is expected to keep iOS at its core while borrowing several ideas from iPadOS.

Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman reports that Apple is tailoring iOS to suit the wider 4:3 inner display, which is said to be close in size to an iPad mini screen. The company is working on new interfaces that aim to make better use of the extra space without turning the device into a full tablet replacement.

iPhone Fold Software Experience and Multitasking Features

According to Gurman, Apple plans to introduce improved multitasking on the iPhone Fold, using concepts that first appeared on iPadOS. The inner display is expected to support ‘iPad-like layouts’ and allow apps to run side by side. However, the phone will not load iPad apps and will avoid floating window management similar to Mac-style desktops.

Gurman notes that the foldable iPhone is set to keep a simpler multitasking system than the one rolling out with iPadOS 26. Instead of full desktop behaviour, Apple is said to be adapting familiar iPhone navigation, while also adding elements like iPad-style sidebars in some applications. This approach aims to offer extra flexibility without overwhelming users used to classic iOS.

iPhone Fold Hardware and Possible Branding

The iPhone Fold is tipped to use a new inner display technology intended to make the crease less visible and improve durability over repeated folds. The outer cover screen is expected to feature a hole-punch camera, while the inner display may also include a hole-punch camera, supporting video calls and selfies when the device is unfolded.

Camera hardware on the back is reported to include a dual rear camera arrangement, continuing Apple’s focus on photography in premium iPhones. Security may rely on a Touch ID sensor built into the power button, instead of Face ID hardware under the display. A separate rumour also claims Apple is considering the “iPhone Ultra” name for this first-generation foldable, placing it above existing Pro models in the line-up.

These reports suggest Apple is shaping the iPhone Fold as a bridge between iPhone and iPad experiences, rather than a full tablet replacement. With a redesigned inner display, enhanced durability focus and adjusted iOS interface, the device is expected to offer a different style of multitasking while keeping close ties to existing iPhone software and design choices.