Rumors Suggest Creaseless Design and Compatibility with macOS Apps
Apple is reportedly working on a foldable iPad with an 18.8-inch display that could launch by 2028, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter. The device, which has been in development for years, is said to feature a nearly invisible crease, creating a seamless foldable screen akin to “two iPad Pros side-by-side.”
Foldable iPad Vision
This foldable iPad is part of Apple’s vision for a hybrid device that bridges the gap between Macs and iPads. While the device isn’t expected to run macOS, Gurman notes that iPadOS could evolve by 2028 to support macOS apps, offering functionality that blends elements of both platforms.
Such advancements could improve the device’s value, especially given its anticipated price tag. For context, the 13-inch iPad Pro already starts at $1,299. A foldable model nearly twice the size would likely come at a premium, but the ability to run macOS apps could make it a compelling choice for professionals and creatives.
Development Progress
Apple’s industrial design team has reportedly created prototypes for the foldable iPad, focusing on minimizing the crease—a challenge other foldable devices on the market have struggled to overcome.
This project aligns with earlier rumors of Apple developing a smaller foldable iPad for release by 2026 or 2027. Gurman also highlighted a 20-inch folding “iPad/MacBook hybrid” concept in 2022, suggesting Apple has been exploring foldable devices in various sizes for some time.
Foldable iPhone and Display Roadmap
Gurman also noted that Apple’s foldable iPhone is still in development, but it likely won’t debut until 2026 at the earliest. The timeline aligns with a recently leaked Apple display roadmap that hints at major innovations in the coming years:
- 2026: OLED MacBook Pros
- 2027: OLED MacBook Air
- 2028: Foldable 18.8-inch iPad
Industry Implications
If Apple succeeds in creating a foldable, creaseless iPad, it could redefine the market for large-screen portable devices. With a focus on hardware innovation and software integration, the device may cater to users looking for a blend of productivity and versatility in a single device.
While details remain speculative, the foldable iPad promises to be one of Apple’s boldest forays into redefining mobile computing.
