How Multitasking Might Work on Apple’s iPhone Fold

Rumors about Apple’s first foldable phone have been circulating for years, but the latest reports suggest the software experience could be just as important as the hardware.

Acording to Bloomberg, the rumored iPhone Fold is expected to introduce side-by-side app multitasking, a feature that does not currently exist on standard iPhones.

If true, this could dramatically change how multitasking works on iOS, especially when the device is unfolded.

So the big question many Apple fans are asking is simple: how will multitasking work on the iPhone Fold?

Why multitasking matters on a foldable iPhone

Foldable phones create a unique challenge for software design.

When closed, they behave like a normal smartphone. But when unfolded, they offer a much larger screen that sits somewhere between a phone and a tablet.

Reports suggest that when opened, the iPhone Fold could resemble the size and proportions of an iPad mini.

That extra screen space would be wasted if apps were forced to run one at a time like they do on today’s iPhones.

This is why Apple is reportedly building a new multitasking system specifically designed for the foldable display.

Side-by-side apps could arrive on iPhone

According to Bloomberg, Apple is preparing to bring side-by-side app multitasking to iOS for the foldable device.

In practical terms, this means users could run two apps on screen at the same time.

For example, someone could:

• browse Safari while replying to messages
• watch a video while taking notes
• compare documents across two apps

This type of workflow already exists on the iPad through iPadOS, but it has never been available on standard iPhones. The foldable screen could finally make that possible.

A new sidebar interface may appear

Another rumored feature involves a left-hand sidebar for apps. This sidebar would likely allow users to quickly switch between apps or drag them onto the screen to create a split view layout.

If implemented, the sidebar could work somewhat like the multitasking interface already found on iPadOS.

However, reports suggest the iPhone Fold will still run iOS rather than iPadOS, meaning Apple will likely design a unique hybrid system specifically for foldable hardware.

Why Apple may not bring full iPad multitasking

Even though the device could resemble an iPad mini when opened, Apple is reportedly not planning to bring the full iPadOS windowing system to the foldable phone.

Instead, the multitasking experience may be simplified.

This approach would allow Apple to keep the familiar iPhone experience while still introducing larger-screen productivity features when the device is unfolded.

In other words, the company may be trying to strike a balance between tablet-style multitasking and traditional iPhone simplicity.

Hardware rumors remain largely unchanged

Aside from the multitasking system, most other rumors about the iPhone Fold remain consistent with previous reports.

The device is expected to include:

• a book-style folding display
• two rear cameras
• a hole-punch front camera
• Touch ID in the side button

RELATED: Apple Rejected a Flip iPhone Design Before Choosing the Fold

Reports claim Apple may choose Touch ID instead of Face ID because the foldable design leaves limited internal space for Apple’s facial recognition hardware.

The foldable iPhone is also expected to be expensive, with early estimates suggesting a price above $2000.

RELATED: Apple Testing iPhone Flip Alongside Book-Style Foldable

Multitasking could be the real selling point

Foldable phones often focus on hardware innovation, but software is what determines whether the extra screen space actually improves productivity.

If Apple successfully introduces a well-designed multitasking system for the iPhone Fold, it could become one of the device’s most important features.

For users wondering how multitasking will work on the iPhone Fold, the rumored split-screen apps and sidebar navigation suggest Apple is building a system designed specifically for the unique form factor.

With the device reportedly targeting a late 2026 launch, there is still plenty of time for Apple to refine how multitasking on the foldable iPhone will ultimately work.