
Apple Rumored to Launch 18.8-Inch Foldable iPad by 2028 | Image Source: www.theverge.com
Cupertino, Calif., Dec. 15, 2024 — Apple is reportedly developing a groundbreaking foldable iPad with an expansive 18.8-inch display and an invisible crease, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter. This futuristic device is anticipated for release around 2028, marking a significant evolution in Apple’s hardware portfolio. As per www.theverge.com, the company’s industrial design team has already crafted prototypes that boast an almost seamless fold, resembling two iPad Pros placed side-by-side when opened.
Years of Foldable iPad Rumors
Speculation surrounding a foldable iPad has persisted for years, with earlier rumors hinting at a smaller model potentially launching in 2026 or 2027. Gurman’s latest insights, however, suggest Apple is aiming for an even more ambitious device. The 18.8-inch foldable iPad is described as a hybrid that could bridge the gap between traditional iPads and MacBooks. Despite not running macOS, the device is expected to feature elements of both product lines. Gurman further indicated that by 2028, iPadOS should be sufficiently advanced to support macOS applications, offering a unified experience across Apple’s ecosystem.
Design and Functionality
The prototypes reportedly achieve a nearly invisible crease, a key feature differentiating Apple’s foldable from competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold tablets. The large foldable design is envisioned as a tool for both productivity and entertainment, catering to professionals and creatives alike. According to Gurman, this device would support macOS-like functionality, a logical progression given that current Macs already run iPhone and iPad applications. This reciprocal compatibility could significantly enhance the device’s value proposition, positioning it as a versatile tool for various use cases.
Pricing and Market Position
Pricing remains a significant consideration for this ambitious project. The existing 13-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,299, raising questions about the cost of an 18.8-inch model with cutting-edge folding technology. Gurman notes that the ability to run macOS apps could justify the premium price, providing customers with greater utility. Industry experts believe that a foldable iPad may help Apple carve out a niche in the premium tablet market, appealing to users seeking a device that merges the functionality of an iPad and a MacBook.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the excitement, developing a foldable device comes with significant technical and logistical challenges. Apple’s ability to produce a creaseless folding screen represents a major engineering milestone, but questions about durability, manufacturing scalability, and software optimization remain. Furthermore, Apple will need to address battery life concerns for a device with such a large screen and ensure that iPadOS can seamlessly support macOS-level tasks by the anticipated launch date in 2028.
Apple’s Vision for the Future
This rumored foldable iPad reflects Apple’s broader strategy to redefine the boundaries between its product categories. The introduction of a hybrid device aligns with the company’s push towards a more integrated ecosystem, where hardware and software complement each other seamlessly. If successful, the 18.8-inch foldable iPad could set new standards for innovation in the tablet market, influencing competitors and reshaping consumer expectations.
As per www.theverge.com, Apple’s development of this device underscores its commitment to staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. While many details remain speculative, the rumored foldable iPad is poised to be a game-changer, combining cutting-edge technology with Apple’s hallmark design ethos.