User’s experiment reveals why Apple may need a different iOS for its devices

Apple is known for releasing different operating system variants for its devices. But what if they all could be powered by the same OS, and this is the preface of what might be “inside” the iPhone foldable?

It became a standard practice for Apple to release its latest software after launching its hardware.

The fans of the company’s products also know that Apple releases different software variants for its products: iOS for iPhones, iPadOS for its tablets, and macOS for Apple computers.

While Apple has been insisting that iOS and iPadOS are distinct, one Redditor may have discovered that this is not entirely accurate. The discussion also hints that the future iPhone Fold may run on the same operating system.

The user, under the name @TechExpert2910, revealed how they “hacked” an iPhone to run on iPadOS, providing them with “a Mac-like experience on the external monitor.”

The user also shared that “it can multitask” and “run iPad apps.”

The Redditor explained how they made this possible by tricking the iPhone operating system into thinking it was running on an iPad.

Due to this hack, the device displays an iPad-like interface, also capable of running apps that aren’t available on the iPhone, reports Wired.

The user shared that this makes “the iPhone 17 Pro Max an insane pocket computer.”

They also noted that this finding was available due to “an exploit that works on iOS 26.1,” which has already been patched on iOS 26.2 beta.

As a precaution, the Redditor advised those interested in turning their smartphone into a mini-computer not to do it on their main device, “as there’s a chance you’ll get into a boot loop.”

Why doesn’t Apple want one device for it all?

Since this “feature” is no longer available, the question remains why the company hid it.

In their post, the user shared that “Apple doesn't allow this as it would hurt Mac sales.”

Apple is known to create its product “ecosystem” that allows users to shift from one device to another seamlessly. Nevertheless, each of its products is created for a specific purpose. While an iPhone can be used for communication or content creation, it's much more convenient to use the company’s laptop for things like editing.

This is where users are being tricked into buying more of Apple’s products. Therefore, it wouldn’t be profitable for Apple to have its iPhone become a multipurpose device that can serve as a phone, tablet, and computer, all in one.

Will the foldable iPhone be Apple’s multifunctional device?

Apple plans to release its iPhone foldable in 2026, which could become a device positioned somewhere between an iPhone and an iPad.

Some users online also believe that the future iPhone may include the already “unlocked” features.

“I wouldn't be surprised if the new iPhone Fold or whatever it's called had that feature,” wrote one user.

“Foldable vibes. If this fold does this I will 5k for it,” shared another netizen.

My hacked iPhone running iPadOS! And running a Mac-like experience on the external monitor! It can multitask + run iPad apps. Apple doesn't allow this as it would hurt Mac sales.
byu/TechExpert2910 iniphone

Another factor to consider when it comes to Apple devices and their software is the product's hardware, which is capable of running the latest OS.

For example, during Apple's “Awe Dropping” event, when the company released its latest iPhone series, it was revealed that the new iPhones, iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro, are powered by the A19 Pro chip, which offers a similar level of performance to its laptops.

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