Apple’s First Foldable iPhone May Work like an iPad Mini

2026 is shaping up to be a monumental year for Apple as it plans to unveil its first foldable iPhone. The rumour mill has been buzzing recently with key details about the iPhone Fold and we recently got to know that the phone could be ultimately called the iPhone Ultra. And now, a new leak suggests Apple could transform its first foldable into a complete productivity powerhouse with iPad-like features.

iPhone Fold Could Borrow Key iPad Features

Mark Gurman, via his PowerOn newsletter, has reported that the Apple iPhone Fold will be a cross between an iPhone and an iPad. While it will carry the DNA of Apple iPhones in a foldable form factor, the apps and features inside will closely emulate those of iPads.

As per the report, the expected 7.8-inch folding display will make use of the screen real estate for better multitasking. It will allegedly be able to open two apps or windows side by side, making use of each folding half. This will essentially make this the first iPhone to support split-screen functionality.

Moreover, multiple apps will likely feature a left-handed sidebar that serves as a quick-access dock. Gurman claims that developers will be given the necessary tools to adapt their apps and services for the wide-screen foldable.

Looks like the new wide foldable factor showcased in the latest iPhone Fold renders will hopefully be put to good use. Besides, with the Apple A20 Pro chip said to be powering the iPhone Fold, there's no doubt that there will be enough power to carry out iPad-like multitasking.

Hence, multi-tasking-wise, the upcoming iPhone Fold could become the most productively capable iPhone ever. However, these features will not be unique to the iPhone Fold. With brands like Oppo and OnePlus stepping it up with Open Canvas, the iPhone Fold will also need to have some unique USPs to make it stand out amidst the competition.

That said, these are early leaks and while most of them could turn out to be true eventually, it is best to take them with a pinch of salt. Since Apple unveils new iPhones by the end of Q4, expect the iPhone Fold to also go official at the brand's Spring event this year.