HAS APPLE ALREADY WON?

@tomsguide

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SoundTikTok sound · Retro Highway

Why it worked

The video taps into the ongoing debate about foldable phone technology and app optimization, a key pain point for users. By comparing existing solutions with a highly anticipated rumored product (iPhone Ultra), it generates intrigue and positions Apple as a potential disruptor.

Summary

The video compares the app optimization on Samsung's foldable phones with the potential of Apple's rumored foldable iPhone. It highlights how Samsung's devices struggle with third-party app scaling, while Apple's iOS is expected to handle this better, potentially giving them an advantage.

Structure

1Introduction of the foldable phone dilemma
2Discussion of iOS and potential iPhone Ultra app scaling
3Comparison of app optimization on Samsung foldables (TikTok, Instagram, Slack)
4Highlighting the advantage of iPadOS and the potential of Apple's approach
5Conclusion on why Apple might win from day one

Product placement

Apple: ACTS - its operating system (iOS) is discussed in terms of its ability to handle multitasking and app scaling on foldable devices. Removing it would change the video's topic. Samsung: ACTS - its foldable devices (Galaxy Z Fold) are discussed in terms of their hardware and software optimization for apps. Removing it would change the video's topic. iPhone Ultra: ACTS - it is a rumored foldable iPhone discussed in terms of its potential app scaling capabilities. Removing it would change the video's topic. Galaxy Z Fold: ACTS - it is a foldable device discussed in terms of its app optimization. Removing it would change the video's topic. iOS: ACTS - it is the operating system discussed for its multitasking and app scaling features on foldable devices. Removing it would change the video's topic. iPadOS: ACTS - it is an operating system mentioned as having features that work well on foldable devices. Removing it would change the video's topic. Samsung's Flex Mode: ACTS - it is a feature of Samsung devices that allows splitting the screen. Removing it would change the video's topic. TikTok: ACTS - it is an app shown to have good optimization on foldable devices, with comments visible on the side. Removing it would change the video's topic. Instagram: ACTS - it is an app shown on a foldable device, with comments visible on the side. Removing it would change the video's topic. Asus Chromebook Cx15: APPEARS - it is shown on a screen within the video, but its functionality is not demonstrated or discussed. Removing it would not change what happens in the video. Slack: ACTS - it is an app shown on a foldable device, with its layout and lack of optimization discussed. Removing it would change the video's topic. Google: ACTS - its apps are mentioned as being well-optimized for foldable devices. Removing it would change the video's topic. Android: ACTS - it is an operating system mentioned in the context of app optimization on foldable devices. Removing it would change the video's topic.

Original caption

Foldable hardware has come a long way, but third-party developers are still sleeping on big-screen optimization for Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold. While Google nailed its own apps, too many popular third-party apps feel like... missed opportunities? So if Apple drops its rumored 'iPhone Ultra' with instant iPadOS app scaling, Samsung’s lead in the foldable market might be in big trouble. We want to hear from current foldable users: Which app layout annoys you the most on a big screen? #GalaxyFold #iPadMini #TechComparison #iPhoneUltra #iPhoneFold

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Transcript

When Apple drops its foldable iPhone, iPhone Ultra incoming is massive it's a massive problem and it's not because of the hardware. The iPhone Ultra is going to have to make major changes to the way iOS handles multitasking, since it's going to have to start splitting apps across a much larger area than ever before. It's a feature that works well on iPadOS, and should make the transfer to the foldable device. Likewise, I'd be surprised if we don't see a menu bar, similar to what is already available on iPads and Samsung Z Fold devices. The fact that this iPhone Ultra will feature two wildly different screen sizes to normal non-folding devices means app developers will need to ensure their apps are better optimized. Not only for the larger foldable display, but also the smaller cover display. Apple referred to something known as "app adaptability" at WWDC 2026, and it's likely this will play a key role in iPhone Ultra app support. This concept will likely involve ensuring apps can adjust themselves based on the size of the screen they're on -- which will allow them to switch between both iPhone Ultra displays. Hopefully, this ends up being a little more robust than some Android foldable apps, which simply blow up the phone app to take up more screen space. iOS 27 beta also features references to a "foldstate" and "angleddegrees," which all but confirms that iOS 27 will need to be able to detect the exact state of a foldable's hinge. Not only does this suggest the iPhone Ultra will automatically transfer contents between screens when the iPhone Ultra is opened (or closed), it also hints at a feature similar to Samsung's Flex Mode. Flex Mode is able to split the foldable screen into two distinct areas when the hinge is fixed at a 90-degree angle. That way you can do something on one half of the screen, while the other does something completely different. This could be helpful for gaming, with a split between the touch controls and the game itself, or when watching videos on social media. Sometimes Samsung has it figured out. TikTok looks great docking comments on the side, even as you scroll. But on X, iPad Mini gives you a two-column layout on the fold. It's just a blown-up phone app. Instagram, comments cover the photo on Samsung, but slide off to the side on iPad. Slack is even worse, with so much empty space on the fold. iPad gives you your full channel list. Google's own apps look great on Android, but if Samsung and Google can't convince third-party devs to optimize their apps, Apple could win from day one.