The iPhone switches from list view to CoverFlow, a mode used by the audio player to display album covers, when you turn the iPhone sideways. While CoverFlow is a neat feature, you might not always want it on. As of 2010, the only way to disable this feature is to turn off the accelerometer. Doing so changes the orientation mode from landscape to portrait when you turn the iPhone sideways. This locks the screen into portrait orientation so it doesn't switch to landscape mode and Coverflow.
Instructions
1. Upgrade to iPhone 4 if you haven't already. You can only turn off the accelerometer in the latest version of the operating system. Earlier versions must be jailbroken to achieve the same effect.
2. Double-click the "Home" button on the iPhone. This will bring up the multitasking interface.
3. Swipe from left to right on the multitasking interface.
4. Tap the "Portrait Orientation Lock" icon one time to lock the screen into portrait orientation. Tap it again to turn off the portrait orientation lock. CoverFlow will now be disabled.
Tags: into portrait, into portrait orientation, iPhone sideways, multitasking interface, portrait orientation