The tech industry is buzzing with speculation around Apple’s ambitious plans for a foldable 18.8-inch iPad, tentatively slated for launch around 2028, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This vision aligns well with Apple’s history of setting trends rather than following them. The company’s industrial design team has reportedly developed prototypes that exhibit a remarkable design featuring a nearly invisible crease, a significant technological feat that suggests Apple is not just following market trends but is actively redefining them.
Foldable devices have become a focal point for tech enthusiasts and critics alike, with various manufacturers experimenting with different form factors. Apple’s potential entry into this segment could signify a leap forward in usability and design, and the idea of a device akin to “two iPad Pros side-by-side” opens up enticing possibilities for productivity and multimedia experiences.
There has long been chatter about a foldable iPad, and recent rumors suggest that Apple is also considering a smaller model projected for release by 2026 or 2027. However, the pivotal innovation lies not just in size but in the seamless integration of software and hardware. Gurman’s previous assertions about a gargantuan 20-inch iPad/MacBook hybrid reveal a focus on versatility: a device potentially capable of functioning as both a high-end tablet and a laptop. The implications for user experience are profound—imagine an iPad that can easily transition from a powerful tablet for creative tasks to a more laptop-like interface for productivity.
As Apple continues to explore features that blend MacOS and iPadOS, users could see a shift toward advanced capabilities that support both ecosystems. Such functionality could bolster the appeal of the larger device, especially given the high price point of the current iPad Pro models, starting at $1,299.
Gurman indicates that iPadOS is expected to evolve to the point where it can run Mac apps by 2028. This hypothetical interoperability suggests a potential re-imagination of the Apple ecosystem, where devices are no longer siloed by their operating systems. This strategy could reassure users about investing in an expensive foldable iPad, knowing that it could double as a platform for Mac-centric applications.
Additionally, the potential release of OLED MacBook Pros by 2026 and advancements in Apple’s display technology reflect a consistent strategy toward enhancing screen quality across devices. As the company grapples with significant product lifecycles and intricacies, the success of such innovations will depend on how well they integrate with existing devices and how Apple communicates these new functionalities to consumers.
While rumors of a foldable iPhone are also in circulation, with expectations set for 2026 at the earliest, the focus primarily remains on the larger foldable iPad. Apple’s obstinate innovation strategy will undoubtedly keep consumers intrigued and hopeful for a transformative leap in what personal computing can mean in an increasingly mobile-first world. The path towards a foldable integral device—a flexible form factor equipped with versatile functionalities—could very well reshape the future of personal technology, establishing Apple not merely as a competitor but as a leader in the next frontier of device evolution.