Designing for Foldable Phones: What App Designers Must Consider

Foldable phones are no longer a futuristic concept they’re here, and they’re transforming how users interact with mobile apps. With major manufacturers like Samsung, Huawei, and Google leading the charge, designers now face a new challenge: creating seamless, intuitive experiences across both folded and unfolded states.

In this blog post, we explore key considerations app designers must keep in mind when designing for foldable devices.

Embrace Screen Continuity

One of the most compelling features of foldables is screen continuity the ability to switch from a small screen (folded) to a larger screen (unfolded) without interrupting the user experience. Apps must respond instantly and fluidly to these transitions.

Design Tip:
Implement responsive design patterns that reflow and adjust UI components based on the screen state. Use flexible layouts instead of fixed dimensions.

Optimize for Multi-Window and Multitasking

Foldables encourage productivity by supporting multi-window mode and side-by-side app usage. Users might open two or even three apps at once on a large unfolded display.

Design Tip:
Ensure your app behaves well in split-screen mode. Avoid fixed screen orientations and ensure your layout does not break when resized to a smaller portion of the screen.

Prioritize Adaptive Layouts

Adaptive layouts ensure your app looks and feels natural in both portrait and landscape modes, across folded and unfolded states.

Key Considerations:

• Use ConstraintLayout (for Android) or Auto Layout (for iOS) to build flexible UIs.
• Maintain readability and tap targets as the screen size changes.
• Test for both single-pane and dual-pane layouts.

Consider Hinge and Fold Awareness

Foldable phones often have a hinge or crease that divides the screen. Android provides APIs that help you determine the location and behavior of the hinge.

Design Tip:
Avoid placing important buttons, input fields, or media content directly on the fold. Use the hinge as a divider great for creating dual-panel experiences like email (list on one side, details on the other).

Redesign Navigation Patterns

Foldables introduce new user behaviors and ergonomics. On larger unfolded screens, bottom navigation may feel awkward due to hand positioning.

Suggested Approaches:

• Shift towards side navigation drawers or floating action buttons.
• Use gestures effectively to enhance usability.
• Test different navigation styles based on how users hold the device.

Rethink Transitions and Animations

With screen transformations being central to the foldable experience, animations must feel natural and purposeful.

Design Tip:
Leverage microinteractions and smooth transitions that visually guide users as they switch between states. Avoid jarring screen reloads during folding/unfolding.