iOS 27 may be laying the groundwork for split screen on iPhone

Apple appears to be working on a new system-level iOS feature that could help apps adapt more naturally to larger displays, a change that may become especially important for the company’s rumored foldable iPhone.

iOS could gain smarter app scaling for larger screens

Rumors surrounding Apple’s foldable iPhone have been circulating for years, but software optimization remains one of the biggest challenges for any foldable device.

Most iPhone apps are designed around traditional smartphone screens, which can often result in awkward layouts, wasted space, and inefficient use of larger displays when expanded onto foldable devices.

According to leaker Fixed Focus Digital, Apple is currently developing a feature called “Parallel View.” The name is reportedly inspired by a similar feature found in HarmonyOS that helps apps adapt more effectively to larger displays.

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If the report is accurate, the feature could allow iOS to automatically adjust app layouts for larger screens without requiring major changes from developers.

Apple’s foldable iPhone may be driving the feature

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is widely rumored to feature a 7.8-inch internal display, making it significantly larger than any current iPhone screen.

Since most iPhone apps are optimized for narrower displays, a foldable iPhone would create a very different user interface environment compared to traditional models.

A system-level adaptation feature could help Apple deliver a more polished experience from day one while also reducing the workload for developers.

The report also aligns with an earlier claim from Mark Gurman, who stated that iOS 27 could support running two apps side by side on Apple’s foldable iPhone. That would bring the multitasking experience closer to what users already get on the iPad.

Apple has not officially announced the feature, but WWDC 2026 could offer a clearer look at how much of iOS 27 is being designed with future foldable devices in mind.

Would automatic app adaptation be enough for a foldable iPhone, or should Apple bring full iPad-style multitasking to iOS? Share your thoughts in the comments below.