Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone could borrow several ideas from the iPad. The larger screen real-estate can open doors to more interactions and features, but it might not match the full tablet experience that many expect.
Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter suggests that that first foldable iPhone will feature an iPad-like interface when unfolded. It may offer a true split-screen multitasking experience on its main display, which is something currently limited to iPads and other large-screen devices.
However, the similarities might stop there.
It may not run iPad apps
Despite its near tablet-sized primary display, the foldable iPhone is reportedly expected to run on iOS rather than iPadOS. In other words, it probably won’t support existing iPad apps or the more advanced multitasking features found on Apple’s tablets.
In practice, the phone would likely allow two apps to appear side-by-side, but the more complex windowed multitasking systems might not be available. Though the brand seems to be working on adapting its core apps to take better advantage of the larger display by adding left-side navigation panels similar to iPad apps.
Meanwhile, app developers will likely get tools to optimize their iPhone apps for the new interface. Mark also states that the experience will be similar to the recent iPad minis.
New Apple device that sits between iPhone and iPad
Recent rumors have points at the foldable iPhone packing a a 5.5-inch cover display, while the primary screen is roughly around 7.8-inch panel. This puts it close to the size of an iPad mini when unfolded. The design is expected to use a 4:3 aspect ratio, similar to Apple’s tablets, which should make multitasking and media consumption more comfortable on the larger screen.
But when folded, the device will likely behave more like a traditional iPhone with the standard iOS interface. While there’s no word on the official release, the foldable iPhone is rumored to release in 2026 as one of Apple’s most expensive smartphones (estimated to cost around $2,000).