I'm ready for a foldable iPhone, but only if Apple does this right

Apple is rumored to be entering the foldable phone market with an "iPhone Fold" in 2026, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The device is expected to feature a wide-screen aspect ratio, similar to the Oppo Find N2 and Google Pixel Fold, which helps minimize the thick black borders (letterboxing) common when watching videos on taller foldables. This design aims to bridge the gap between productivity and media consumption. However, the report highlights a major software hurdle: iOS currently lacks the native split-screen and multi-window capabilities that are essential for utilizing a foldable's expanded screen real estate.

For the iPhone Fold to compete with established Android rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Apple must execute a significant iOS overhaul. The current system's multitasking is limited to picture-in-picture mode, falling short of the true side-by-side app functionality found on competitors. Gurman suggests the foldable may run an "iPad-like interface when opened," but this brings its own challenges. Current iPadOS 26 multitasking, with features like Stage Manager, is often criticized for unintuitive gestures and clunky window management. Apple must refine these interactions and potentially add a quick-action sidebar for drag-and-drop pop-up windows to create a seamless foldable experience that justifies the new form factor.