Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone will use an updated version of iOS enabling iPad-like layouts and side-by-side apps, and will use a wide interior display of similar proportions to an iPad Mini, Bloomberg reported.

The iPad-like screen format, which Apple reportedly sees as a key selling point, will make it easier for developers to redesign iPhone apps to resemble iPad software, the report said, citing unnamed people.

It is also aimed at making it more appealing to watch video, after Apple reportedly identified the relatively narrow screens of current folding phones as a weakness.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7. Image credit: Samsung Widescreen interface

The phone will run iOS, not iPadOS, and will not be able to run unmodified iPad apps, the report said.

The modified iOS version will reportedly have new layouts and core iPhone apps that have sidebars on the left side of the screen, similar to iPad apps, but will retain the iPhone’s multitasking system, which is simpler than that of the iPad.

The interface will not be able to run several windows simultaneously like an iPad, but will be able to display two apps side-by-side, similar to folding Samsung and Google devices.

Apple reportedly sought to increase the number of times a phone could be folded without mechanical issues, and adopted a technology that reduces the visible crease in the folding display.

Apple’s device is reportedly intended to have a wider interior screen than Samsung’s latest phones or Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Image credit: Google Fingerprint authentication

It uses a hole-punch cutout for the front-facing display on the exterior display, rather than a notch, and uses a fingerprint sensor built into the power button in lieu of facial recognition, as the front panel is too thin to support FaceID, the report said.

Apple last sold a device with a fingerprint sensor in 2022.

The device features two rear cameras, rather than the three found in current top-end iPhones, but Apple still reportedly believes the device will stand at the top of its product line due to its large internal display, better productivity features and roughly $2,000 (£1,493) price tag, the report said.

Huawei’s Mate XT double-hinged folding smartphone. Image credit: Huawei