Apple has unveiled a new software feature in its foldable phone iPhone Duo, allowing users to integrate the device's state (open or closed) into the automation system within the Shortcuts app. This feature falls under the screen automation category, providing users with high flexibility in customizing the phone's behavior based on its physical position.
What has changed practically?
Users can now set triggers that rely exclusively on the hinge movement. For example, a user can program the phone to automatically change the wallpaper when the device is opened, lock the screen immediately upon closing it, or even control the continuity of running apps between the inner and outer screens. This addition opens the door to creative usage scenarios that go beyond mere screen switching.
Why does this news matter?
This feature is an important step in enhancing the user experience for foldable devices, as it transforms the hinge from a mere mechanical part into an interactive software tool. By integrating this state into the Shortcuts app, Apple gives users greater ability to customize their workflow, which reduces the need for frequent manual intervention when transitioning between different usage modes.
Context of use and limitations
Early users pointed out the possibility of using this automation to adjust app behavior, such as keeping a specific app open on the outer screen after closing the device, or locking the phone completely to ensure privacy. However, this feature is still in its early stages, as developers and users have begun exploring its limits, with questions remaining about the stability of this automation with complex applications.
This feature comes at a time when the device is facing technical scrutiny regarding hinge durability, as some users have reported the appearance of bright pixel lines or screen cracks near the hinge area after a limited number of opens and closes, making any programmatic interaction with this area a subject of widespread technical interest.