Apple's Foldable iPad Could Function as "Two iPad Pros Side by Side."
It's not a hybrid between an iPad and a Mac, but it might be close.
Apple intends to launch an 18.8-inch foldable iPad without folds around the year 2028, according to information revealed by an analyst in a recent newsletter. It is claimed that the company's industrial design team has developed prototypes of this device that feature "an almost invisible fold," and it would function as "two iPad Pros side by side."
Speculation about a foldable iPad has been present for several years, with recent rumors suggesting that Apple could unveil a smaller model between 2026 and 2027. The analysis of the day harks back to the 20-inch hybrid between iPad and MacBook mentioned last year. Although it does not seem that this new device will use macOS, it is suggested that it "will have elements of both" operating systems, and that iPadOS could "evolve enough to run macOS applications" by the year 2028.
As Macs can currently run iPhone and iPad applications, it is not surprising to think that this integration could be bidirectional in the future. This could enhance the perceived value of the device; for example, the 13-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,299, and the economic impact of a larger iPad could be more acceptable if it has the capability to run macOS applications.
The analyst also suggests that a foldable iPhone is still in development, but its launch is not expected before 2026. Additionally, he pointed out that information from his sources aligns with an alleged internal timeline at Apple regarding displays, which includes the 18.8-inch foldable iPad and the company's plans to launch MacBook Pros with OLED screens in 2026, followed by updates to the MacBook Air OLED in 2027.
