Apple is reportedly preparing to give the iPhone a “Stage Manager-like interface” when connected to an external display via USB-C. But this niche iOS 19 addition is likely just setting the groundwork for a bigger update next year: true multitasking on the iPhone Fold.
iPhone Fold needs multitasking, and iOS 19 lays the groundwork
Next year, Apple plans to launch its first ever foldable iPhone.
iPhone Fold, as I’ve been calling it, will boast a 7.8-inch inner display.
That display is expected to carry an aspect ratio very similar to the iPad mini.
iPad mini, by the way, used to have a 7.9-inch screen until it got bumped to 8.3 inches a few years back.
Essentially, the iPhone Fold will function like an iPhone when folded, and resemble an iPad mini when unfolded.
And iOS needs to adapt accordingly.
Fortunately, it sounds like Apple isn’t wasting any time building multitasking support into the iPhone.
iOS 19’s rumored Stage Manager-style functionality surely won’t stay exclusive to external displays.
Would Apple really devote heavy engineering resources to build a new iPhone feature that will be used by almost no one? I doubt it.
Instead, I suspect the groundwork is being laid for true on-device iPhone multitasking with next year’s iPhone Fold.
Top comment by Dr. J
Great news for frequent job travelers like me, who stay 2-3 days at an office in a foreign country where we do light office work. No need to carry the MacBook in a backpack anymore if this turns out to be a Dex-like interface for the iPhone.
I’m curious to see where they take this idea, but alongside the rumors of an amped up iPadOS the ecosystem turns much more interesting.
Apple likely anticipates that some tweaks might be needed with its new multitasking system, and getting it into the world a year early will provide them the real-world data—and time—to make those changes.
All with the goal of crafting an iOS multitasking system that’s perfectly suited for the iPhone Fold.
How exactly will that system work? At this point that’s anyone’s guess. But with WWDC around the corner, we shouldn’t have to wait long to find out.
What do you hope to see from iOS 19’s multitasking system? Let us know in the comments.
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