Apple said to be developing landscape multitasking feature for iPhones

The rumoured capability could allow apps to automatically adapt to landscape layouts on wider screens, potentially paving the way for improved productivity features on Apple's anticipated foldable iPhone.

Apple is reportedly preparing a major enhancement to the iPhone user experience with iOS 27, introducing a feature that could make apps function more effectively on larger displays. The rumoured capability is expected to automatically optimise app interfaces in landscape orientation, allowing users to take better advantage of wider screens without requiring developers to redesign their applications.

According to reports citing information shared by tipster Fixed Focus Digital, Apple is exploring a system similar to Huawei's "Parallel View" technology. Such a feature would dynamically adjust app layouts when used on larger screens, enabling a more natural and productive multitasking experience.

The move could represent a significant change for the iPhone ecosystem, where most applications have traditionally been designed around portrait-oriented usage. By adapting interfaces automatically, Apple could improve usability on future devices with expanded screen real estate.

Focus on foldable devices and productivity

Industry observers believe the feature is closely linked to Apple's long-rumoured foldable iPhone project. Reports suggest the device could feature a large internal display measuring approximately 7.8 inches, creating a need for software that can effectively utilise the additional screen space.

While Apple already offers adaptive layouts and multitasking capabilities on iPads through iPadOS, similar functionality has yet to become a core part of the iPhone experience. The new feature could help bridge that gap by enabling applications to scale more effectively when displayed on larger screens.

However, it remains unclear whether the functionality will include full split-screen support, a feature that has been widely available on many Android smartphones and foldable devices for several years.

Could signal Apple's foldable strategy

The reported development aligns with broader expectations that Apple is preparing software features tailored for foldable hardware. Enhanced multitasking, adaptive app layouts, and improved productivity tools are considered essential elements for competing in the growing foldable smartphone segment.

Previous reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggested that Apple's foldable iPhone may support running two applications simultaneously, with a dedicated navigation interface designed to simplify switching between apps.

If the latest reports prove accurate, iOS 27 could mark an important step in Apple's efforts to modernise the iPhone experience for larger displays. By improving how apps adapt to different screen sizes and orientations, the company may be laying the groundwork for a new generation of devices focused on productivity, multitasking, and flexible user experiences.