Samsung is preparing to unveil the seventh generation of its Galaxy Z Fold, a book-style folding phone, this summer. Meanwhile, the tech community eagerly anticipates the arrival of Apple’s first folding device, rumored to be the iPhone Fold, expected to launch next year.
With extensive experience using nearly every folding phone available globally, I’ve often wondered what an iPhone Fold might look like. However, I’ve always had reservations about Apple’s ability to deliver one crucial feature required for a successful folding phone.
Recently, Apple showcased its latest updates during the WWDC 2025 keynote, introducing a unified naming convention across its platforms, including iOS 26, watchOS 26, and macOS 26 Tahoe. Among these, iPadOS 26 stands out with transformative features that have ignited my excitement for Apple’s anticipated iPhone Fold.
What Makes a Good Folding Phone?
I’ve had the opportunity to use a majority of the best folding phones released worldwide, including several that were China-exclusive. The finest book-style folding phones, meant to rival the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7, universally provide a vital feature: multitasking. Samsung has fine-tuned multitasking on its devices for over a decade, especially since Android introduced native multi-window support back in 2016.
Multitasking is fundamental to the folding phone experience, allowing you to maximize the expansive screen real estate offered by a larger internal display. Unlike flip phones, which simply reduce the size of regular smartphones, these folding devices transition from a standard smartphone to a tablet-sized display, facilitating the simultaneous running of multiple applications.
Google introduced enhancements for large displays on folding phones with Android 12L two years ago, enabling the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to operate three apps side by side and even launch more in pop-up windows. New competitors like the Oppo Find N5 and OnePlus Open feature advanced multitasking systems that visualize applications in windows that extend beyond the physical screen.
These various phones ensure that their expansive displays are genuinely advantageous. Until the release of iPadOS 26, Apple notably lagged in this vital aspect.
How iPadOS 26 Solves the Multitasking Problem
While iOS 26 may not incorporate multitasking features, iPadOS 26 introduces a defined vision for larger screens, indicating Apple’s readiness to create a folding phone that can compete effectively. The iPad has offered basic split-screen multitasking for years, but the new update introduces a sophisticated windowing system that replicates a desktop experience. Users can now resize windows freely or choose from preset sizes, making it far more intuitive than other tablets.
This transformation in iPadOS enhances productivity immensely. Imagine how transformative a similar experience could be on the iPhone Fold, maximizing its potential appeal and profitability to consumers.
What Could This Mean for an iPhone Fold?
An evident direction for the iPhone Fold is for Apple to integrate similar features from iPadOS into iOS 27 in preparation for its release. However, I believe Apple could elevate the folding phone experience even further.
A significant hurdle many folding phones face is the lack of optimization in numerous Android applications, often making the experience feel akin to using a sizeable phone rather than a compact tablet. One innovative approach could involve Apple operating iOS on the outer screen of the iPhone Fold while utilizing a tailored version of iPadOS for the internal display. This unique strategy would not only differentiate the iPhone Fold in the marketplace but would also address major user concerns, potentially setting a new standard in the industry.
Regardless of how Apple proceeds, the multitasking features found in iPadOS 26 have piqued my interest, making me eager to discover what the company can deliver with the iPhone Fold. As Apple steps into the world of folding phones, its first offering is likely to reshape the market, and I am convinced it has the potential to create an unparalleled experience for users.
What features are essential in a folding phone?
The most crucial features include multitasking capabilities, an intuitive interface, and app optimization to take full advantage of the larger screens available on folding phones.
How does multitasking work on the Galaxy Z Fold 6?
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 allows users to run three apps side by side, along with additional pop-up windows for more flexible multitasking.
What can we expect from the iPhone Fold’s release?
With expectations running high, the iPhone Fold is anticipated to bring innovative multitasking features, possibly utilizing a unique fusion of iOS and iPadOS for a seamless user experience.
How does iPadOS 26 improve multitasking on the iPad?
iPadOS 26 introduces a windowing system that allows for resizable windows and a desktop-like experience, enhancing user productivity and making it more intuitive for tasks.
Will the iPhone Fold have a market impact?
Given Apple’s track record of innovation, the introduction of the iPhone Fold is likely to significantly influence the folding phone market and set new benchmarks for competitors.
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