The interface of a folding iPhone will resemble the design of an Apple iPad

Apple is preparing its first foldable iPhone

The company plans to bring its first smartphone with a folding screen to market, but not just a “fold” – it will have a full desktop that looks like an iPad.

What’s changing in the interface
- iOS will be adapted for the foldable format.

The interface will resemble what tablets use: app windows can be placed side by side and a “sidebar” on the left can be used – familiar from the iPad.

- The desktop in unfolded mode will be roughly the size of an iPad mini screen.

The internal display will have a wider aspect ratio than competitors, making video viewing and multitasking easier.

- Multitasking is limited to two windows – lower than most foldable smartphones, but it makes the interface simpler.

Screen and camera
Feature External screen Internal screen Size (≈) Compare with small iPhones Compare with iPad mini Camera Round cut‑out for front camera, no Face ID Same round cut‑out – Apple rejected a hidden in‑screen camera due to poorer photo quality Recognition sensor Touch ID on side button—
Dynamic Island will remain on both the external and internal displays.

Technical challenges
Apple faced two main tasks:

1. The narrow “notch” of the screen – a typical issue with flexible panels.

2. The fold – while it can’t be completely eliminated, the company made it less noticeable.

Additionally, they had to improve the folding mechanism and test its reliability.

Results
- The foldable iPhone will run on regular iOS, not iPadOS.

- Running iPad apps without adaptation is impossible.

- Users can manage only two apps side by side at once.

Thus Apple aims to create a flexible smartphone with a convenient interface while preserving the core principles of the iPhone and iPad ecosystems.