iOS 19 Rumors Hint at Desktop-Like Features for iPhone — Is Apple Testing the Future?

Apple appears to be quietly preparing the iPhone for its next evolution. While most attention is currently focused on what iPadOS 19 will bring—rumored to include features that make the iPad behave more like a Mac—leaks suggest that iOS 19 won't be left behind.

According to well-known leaker Majin Bu, iPhones with USB-C ports could soon support external display extensions, offering a more desktop-like experience. This wouldn’t just mirror your screen onto a monitor—it would let you extend it. Imagine delivering a presentation on a large screen while privately reviewing speaker notes on your iPhone. That’s the level of multitasking Apple may be preparing.

From Mirroring to Multitasking: What Could Change?

Currently, iPhones only support screen mirroring—a basic feature that duplicates your device’s screen onto a TV or monitor. While useful, it's limiting and often awkward, especially when dimensions clash between your phone and the external display.

But with extended display support, your iPhone could finally handle dual-screen interactions. Apps could run independently on both screens, respecting each device’s resolution and orientation. This would be a leap forward, especially for creators, presenters, and mobile professionals.

Even media playback and editing workflows could benefit immensely. Watching videos, sharing visual projects, or multitasking during meetings might become far more intuitive and polished.

As Apple nudges its mobile devices closer to desktop territory, one challenge remains: seamless data transfer and content organization across platforms. That’s where third-party phone to phone transfer apps like Smart Transfer’s anywhere file transfer feature come in.

Smart Transfer WhatsApp backup transfer capabilities helps users migrate files effortlessly between phones, tablets, and even desktops—without relying on cables or cloud storage. Whether you're transitioning to a newer iPhone with iOS 19 or just want a faster way to send videos, contacts, or bookmarks, this app ensures zero-hassle transfers with high-speed efficiency.

Why iPhone, and Why Now?

This shift toward an extended display setup isn't unprecedented. Apple's iPads already offer external display support via Stage Manager, and brands like Samsung have embraced similar ideas with DeX, turning smartphones into pseudo-computers when connected to monitors.

So, why might Apple bring this to iPhone now? Some believe it’s not just for the current devices—but for what’s coming next.

The Foldable iPhone Connection

While Apple has yet to confirm any foldable device, industry chatter is gaining traction. Analysts and insiders suggest that a foldable iPhone is likely in development. 9to5Mac speculates that the rumored extended display functionality in iOS 19 could be a testing ground for such a device.

If Apple does launch an iPhone that unfolds into a mini tablet—blurring the lines between iPhone and iPad—then desktop-like features would become essential. Extended displays, multitasking layouts, and advanced file handling would elevate the experience beyond what any smartphone currently offers.

By trialing these capabilities on USB-C iPhones now, Apple could be setting the stage for its most flexible and futuristic mobile product yet.

WWDC 2025: What Might We See?

Don’t expect a full-blown foldable iPhone reveal at WWDC 2025. But do keep an eye out for subtle hints. If Apple unveils extended display mode as part of iOS 19, it could be the company’s way of testing features destined for future foldable devices.

Until then, we can only speculate. But one thing is clear: Apple’s iPhone is becoming more than just a phone—and everything from software to third-party tools like Smart Transfer will play a key role in that evolution.