iPhone Fold rumor: iPad-like multitasking, but no iPad apps and no Face ID
#iPhone Fold #iPad multitasking #Mark Gurman #Bloomberg #foldable display #Pixel Fold #Galaxy Z Fold #Face ID
📌 Key Takeaways
- Rumored foldable iPhone may have an iPad Mini-sized inner display with a wider aspect ratio.
- The device is expected to feature an iPad-style interface for side-by-side app multitasking.
- It will not run existing iPad apps, limiting software compatibility.
- The outer display is rumored to be similar in size to a small iPhone, and Face ID is reportedly absent.
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
Apple Rumors, Foldable Tech
📚 Related People & Topics
Pixel Fold
2023 Android smartphone developed by Google
The Pixel Fold is an Android-powered foldable smartphone designed, developed, and marketed by Google as part of the Google Pixel product line. It was officially announced on May 10, 2023, at the annual Google I/O keynote, and was released in the United States on June 28. Reception was mixed, with ma...
Face ID
Facial recognition system by Apple
Face ID is a biometric authentication facial-recognition system designed and developed by Apple Inc. for the iPhone and iPad Pro. The system can be used for unlocking a device, making payments, accessing sensitive data, providing detailed facial expression tracking for Animoji, as well as six degree...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This news matters because it signals Apple's potential entry into the foldable smartphone market, which could reshape the premium device segment and influence consumer expectations. It affects Apple's competitors like Samsung and Google, who currently dominate the foldable market, as well as developers who may need to adapt their apps for a new form factor. Consumers interested in cutting-edge technology and multitasking capabilities will be directly impacted by Apple's design choices and feature limitations.
Context & Background
- Apple has been rumored to be developing a foldable iPhone for several years, with patents and supply chain reports suggesting ongoing research and development.
- The current foldable smartphone market is dominated by Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series and Google's Pixel Fold, with Chinese manufacturers like Huawei and Oppo also offering competitive models.
- Apple has historically entered mature markets later than competitors (e.g., smartphones, tablets, smartwatches) but often redefines product categories with refined user experiences and ecosystem integration.
- The iPad Mini, referenced for display size comparison, has a 8.3-inch screen and serves as a bridge between iPhones and larger iPads in Apple's product lineup.
- Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, debuted in 2017 with the iPhone X and has since become a standard feature on most iPhones and iPads.
What Happens Next
Apple will likely continue refining the device's design and software ahead of a potential launch, possibly in 2025 or later based on typical development cycles. Competitors may accelerate their own foldable innovations to maintain market share ahead of Apple's entry. Developers may begin exploring app adaptations for the new form factor, though official SDKs or guidelines from Apple would be needed first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple likely wants to optimize the user experience specifically for the foldable form factor rather than simply scaling up iPhone apps or downscaling iPad apps. This approach may ensure better performance and interface consistency, though it could limit initial app availability.
The absence of Face ID suggests Apple may rely on Touch ID or alternative authentication methods, possibly due to engineering challenges with integrating the TrueDepth camera system into a foldable display. This could affect security convenience and app compatibility that relies on facial recognition.
Unlike current foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold or Pixel Fold, Apple's rumored device may prioritize a wider aspect ratio and iPad-like multitasking without direct iPad app support. This differentiation could appeal to users seeking a unique software experience within Apple's ecosystem.
Based on Apple's typical product development cycles and the rumor's current detail level, an announcement could be 1-2 years away, possibly in late 2025 or 2026. However, delays or changes in strategy are common with unconfirmed Apple products.
Unlikely—the folding iPhone would serve as a hybrid device for on-the-go multitasking, while the iPad Mini remains a dedicated tablet with full iPadOS app support. Apple may position them as complementary products for different use cases.
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Key Claims Verified
Attributed to Mark Gurman (Bloomberg). Consistent with long-standing rumors.
Attributed to Mark Gurman (Bloomberg).
Attributed to Mark Gurman (Bloomberg).
Reported by Gurman but unverified by Apple. Speculative regarding future software strategy.
Comparison to non-existent models (Z Fold 7) makes this highly speculative.
Caveats / Notes
- All information is based on unconfirmed rumors from Mark Gurman.
- The comparison to Galaxy Z Fold 7 implies a future timeline that may change.
- Lack of confirmation regarding Face ID (mentioned only in title) and specific software implementation.
- Apple has not officially announced any folding iPhone.