iPhone Fold Expected to Introduce Side-by-Side Multitasking With iOS 27

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to support running two apps side by side on its large internal display, bringing a form of split‑screen multitasking to the iPhone lineup for the first time, based on details reported by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. The feature is being developed as part of iOS 27 and is designed to take advantage of the device’s foldable screen, which is rumored to be roughly the size of an iPad mini when opened.

iOS 27 Will Support Two Apps Side by Side

The foldable iPhone will run iOS 27, the next major version of Apple’s mobile operating system expected to debut at WWDC in June. The software will include updated interface layouts that allow two iPhone apps to appear simultaneously on the unfolded display.

This split‑screen capability resembles multitasking features long available on iPad, though the implementation on the foldable iPhone will be more limited. The device will support displaying two apps next to each other, but it will not offer a full windowing system that allows multiple floating apps at once.

The larger display is expected to measure about 7.7 inches and use a 4:3 aspect ratio, matching the proportions used on many iPads. That layout provides enough horizontal space to place two iPhone apps side by side without significantly shrinking the interface of either application.

Also Read: Apple’s First Foldable iPhone May Ship With the Biggest Battery Ever

Apple Preparing New App Layouts and Sidebars

To accommodate the wider screen, Apple is developing updated layouts for iOS apps and revising several built‑in iPhone applications. These updates add sidebar navigation along the left edge of the display, similar to interface patterns commonly used on iPad apps.

Third‑party developers will not need to rebuild their applications to run on the foldable iPhone. Existing iPhone apps will work on the device, though developers will be able to adapt their software to better use the expanded layout and sidebar structure.

The foldable iPhone will still run standard iPhone apps rather than iPad apps. As a result, the multitasking experience will remain simpler than on iPadOS, with the system limited to either a single full‑screen app or two apps displayed simultaneously.

Foldable Display and Design Details

The device is expected to include an internal foldable display roughly comparable in size to an iPad mini, along with a smaller external screen used when the phone is closed. The design is also rumored to use a wider aspect ratio than many existing foldable smartphones.

Leaked CAD design files circulating earlier this week suggest the device may include a camera plateau similar to the design used on the iPhone Air. The renders also indicate two rear cameras and a hinge structure that creates squared edges on two corners of the device when unfolded.

The foldable iPhone is expected to launch this fall alongside Apple’s next iPhone generation.