Foldable smartphones and agentic AI are the new mobile PCs

The world of work is constantly evolving. Our understanding of “the office” has shifted over generations, from bustling open-plan floors, to the rise of individual cubicles. And more recently, the widespread adoption of flexible work arrangements and coworking spaces.

Beyond physical environments, the very nature of work has transformed, too. We’ve seen the rise of the gig economy, an increasing demand for work-life balance, and a growing emphasis on mobile productivity. These shifts fundamentally redefine how and where we get things done.

The mobile productivity paradox

As the professional landscape becomes increasingly fluid, a new paradox is emerging. Professionals are more connected than ever, utilizing smartphones to stay productive while on the move. However, for many, true “PC-level” productivity only happens when they are tethered to their static workstations. This forces compromises, indicating that regular smartphones have not yet adapted to modern ways of working.

When we look at how we work on our PCs, it’s pretty rare that we focus on a single task at once. On a laptop we may be working on split-screen mode. When in the office, more often than not we’re using at least one external monitor. Should we not expect the same level of multi-tasking on our mobile devices?

Smartphone technology advances will reshape work

Ultimately, many professionals are concluding that single-screen, single-task devices like regular smartphones are simply not enough for mobile productivity. Sure, they are sufficient for simple one-line email responses, but beyond that, users tend to revert back to their laptops, hindering agility and responsiveness.

Foldable form factors are fundamentally changing the way we interact with technology. Their multiscreen, adaptable nature directly addresses regular smartphone limitations for mobile productivity, enabling users to easily switch between their email app and one or two other windows, like instant messaging or PowerPoint. With a stylus, professionals can also easily take notes or sketch on the unfolded screen. It’s no surprise, then, that the demand for foldable smartphones is rapidly rising; shipments are expected to exceed 100 million by 2027. They are clearly more than a novelty.

Agentic AI: The brains behind foldable technology’s brawn

The more tech-savvy among you know that foldable smartphones aren’t new. They’ve been around for quite a few years. While we’re proud that the HONOR Magic V5 is the world’s thinnest foldable phone, the software—more specifically agentic AI—is what’s pushing mobile productivity to the next level.

In the latest Gemini-enabled foldable devices, AI brings about a new type of PC-level mobile productivity. Users can run up to three app windows side by side, for example, reviewing notes, joining a video call, chatting with Gemini, or sharing information with it for feedback at the same time.

In the meantime, we are also seeing multiple agents collaborating together to enable new experiences for users. For example, your phone can automatically generate a presentation deck from a shared article, with just one voice command.

The future of work is flexible and intelligent

For today’s professionals, the lines between a personal and work device are quickly blurring. When Steven Jobs first launched the iPhone, it was a combination of iPod, browser, and phone, simplified into one revolutionary device with a “less is more” ethos. Now, foldables can bring your smartphone, tablet, and even laptop into one.

This convergence means your personal device can truly become a fully-functional mobile office, no matter where you are—from a bustling airport lounge to a quiet home study, or even a client site.

This new era of mobile productivity enables heightened levels of agility and responsiveness. It empowers you to focus on the high-value, creative aspects of your work, as your intelligent device handles the more routine or complex organizational tasks, paving the way for a more productive and fulfilling professional life.

Rui Guo is group CMO of HONOR Device Co., Ltd.