Apple is reportedly working on a foldable device that resembles a large iPad, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The device is said to unfold into a size equivalent to two iPad Pros placed side-by-side, with a potential launch scheduled for around 2028.
Gurman notes that Apple has been refining this concept for several years, focusing on addressing the challenges faced by existing foldable devices. One of the main goals is to minimize the crease that appears when the device is unfolded. Current prototypes created by Apple’s industrial design team feature a nearly invisible crease, although completely eliminating it is still a work in progress.
20-Inch Foldable Display
When unfolded, Apple’s foldable device is expected to feature a display close to 20 inches in size, described as a “single, uninterrupted piece of glass.” It is also considered a “higher-end device.”
Apple envisions this device catering to users who seek larger screens for gaming, software development, or media consumption. Gurman points out that foldability is the most practical way to provide such a large display in a portable form factor.
The foldable device is expected to run a version of iPadOS rather than macOS, though it could incorporate features from both operating systems. Gurman predicts that by 2028, iPadOS will likely evolve to support macOS applications.
Additionally, the device is expected to support iPad accessories, such as the Apple Pencil, though it is not anticipated to be a full iPad-Mac hybrid.
Speculation Around a Foldable iPhone
While Apple’s foldable iPad project is reportedly making progress, Gurman suggests that a foldable iPhone could also be in development, with a potential release as early as 2026. However, the exact specifications and operating system details for this device remain speculative at this stage.
As of now, Apple has not publicly confirmed any of these developments.