An electronic device detects a change in its physical configuration and automatically performs an application function in response to such detection. By one approach this can comprise detecting a change in configuration as regards a native component of the electronic device (such as, for example, whether the component is configured in a deployed position or a non-deployed position). The nature of the performed application function can vary with the application setting. As one example, this activity can comprise moving at least a portion of the application's user interface to the aforementioned component. As another example, this activity can comprise accessing preferences information (by, for example, accessing stored information that maps particular application functions to corresponding physical configurations of the electronic device).