Apple, a leading player in the consumer electronics market, has yet to explore the world of foldable devices. Recent reports suggest that the company’s foldable ambitions might surpass those of its competitors. As noted by Bloomberg, Apple could be gearing up to launch a significant new product—a large foldable iPad.
The report describes a concept for “a giant iPad that unfolds to the size of two iPad Pros placed side by side.” A considerable hurdle for Apple has been addressing the prominent crease that typically appears in the center of foldable screens. Fortunately, sources indicate that Apple engineers have made significant progress in overcoming this obstacle.
The prototype is believed to feature “a nearly invisible crease.” While manufacturers like OnePlus, Vivo, and Samsung have introduced phones with foldable screens that appear more seamless than before, the crease remains visible, even as improvements have been made over the last few years.
According to the report, Apple aims for its device to present as a single, uninterrupted piece of glass. The company has reportedly been researching this design for some time, with a potential launch date around 2028.
As mentioned by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, there are indications that the foldable iPad may come equipped with an 18.8-inch flexible display. Additionally, the device could operate on a version of iPadOS infused with elements from macOS.
However, this device will likely not fulfill the long-held dreams of many iPad Pro users for a harmonious iPadOS-macOS hybrid. That said, there is optimism that by the time this foldable iPad arrives, the underlying operating system will be more robust, providing expanded options for productivity and computing beyond current capabilities.
The closest devices currently resembling Apple’s planned offering are the Asus Zenbook Fold OLED and the HP Spectre Foldable laptops, both of which carry a hefty price tag, starting around $3,500 in the U.S. market. Huawei’s recently released triple-fold phone is similarly priced.
In contrast, the most powerful iPads featuring M-series chips begin at about $1,000. Apple will need exceptional engineering and supply chain management to ensure that the foldable iPad is accessible for consumers, particularly enthusiasts, without breaking the bank.
The Vision Pro headset has already been an expensive venture for Apple, failing to disrupt the augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) markets due to its steep price of $3,500. Meanwhile, rumors persist about the development of a foldable iPhone, though it will likely take some time before it becomes available for purchase.