
Apple’s Foldable iPad: A Glimpse into 2028 | Image Source: 9to5mac.com
CUPERTINO, California, December 15, 2024 – Apple is preparing to enter the folding device market with a bold new vision: a giant folding iPad that should start in 2028. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this ambitious product will have about 20 inches in size, creating a perfect visualization experience similar to two iPad Pros placed side by side. The movement could make a significant change in Apple’s material strategy, positioning the company as a key player in the fast-growing folding market.
According to 9to5 Mac, rumors about Apple’s entry into folding space have been circulating for years. However, Gurman’s report indicates that Apple is reducing its attention to this unique product, focusing on cutting-edge design and functionality. The folding iPad should target high-end consumers, align with Apple’s reputation for high-end devices.
Design Innovation: Remove Cream
A major challenge for folding devices was the visibility of the fold along the bending axis. Samsung, who pioneered folding phones five years ago, has not yet overcome this problem despite years of development. According to Gurman, Apple aims to remedy this design defect. The first prototypes within Apple’s industrial design group would have an almost invisible fold, although the company did not completely eliminate it. Apple engineers are trying to push the limits of folding technology, eventually setting a new standard for screen quality in the segment.
In addition to minimizing the fold, Apple’s iPad folding will have a unique and uninterrupted glass screen. This innovation underscores Apple’s commitment to providing an immersive and immersive user experience. By focusing on creating larger and more folding screens, the company favours practice and versatility over compact portability, a different approach for competitors such as Samsung and Huawei, who have focused on folding pocket size.
Operating System: Hybrid Vision
The folding iPad is supposed to run a version of iPadOS, with elements inspired by macOS. Gurman suggests that by 2028, iPadOS will have evolved sufficiently to support Mac applications, opening up new opportunities for users. Although the folding iPad is not a true iPad-Mac hybrid, its operating system is likely to close the gap between the two ecosystems, offering a unique combination of tablet and desktop experiences. This development could position the folding iPad as an ideal solution for professionals and creatives who require powerful multitasking capabilities in a portable factor.
As Gurman said, the prospect of running macOS applications on the folding iPad is particularly interesting. If done, this feature could extend beyond the folding model to other iPads, further blurring lines between Apple product categories. This hybrid approach highlights Apple’s strategy to create versatile devices that serve both casual and professional users.
Long-term strategy for folding devices
While the folding iPad is Apple’s main focus on folding space, the company is also exploring the possibility of folding iPhones. Gurman points out that a folding iPhone could come in 2026, but the company seems to give priority to the development of larger and more advanced folding devices. By focusing on tablets rather than smartphones, Apple is preparing a unique niche in the folding market, focusing on productivity and creativity on compact comfort.
Apple’s approach to folding contrasts with its competitors’ strategies, reflecting the company’s commitment to delivering high quality polished products. As folding devices gain traction in the technology industry, Apple’s entry into this market could change consumer expectations and establish a new benchmark for innovation.
Implications for the technological industry
The introduction of a folding iPad has important implications for the wider technological landscape. Apple’s entry into the folding market is likely to accelerate innovation among competitors, stimulate advances in visualization technology, material science and software optimization. The device’s ability to run macOS applications could also influence application developers to create more versatile applications, fostering a more integrated ecosystem across all devices.
In addition, Apple’s focus on creating larger folding screens is aligned with the growing demand for devices that can pass perfectly between work and entertainment. The potential of the folding iPad to combine the capabilities of a laptop and tablet could make it a game changer for professionals, students and creators. According to 9to5Mac, Apple’s commitment to quality and user experience will likely put its folding devices outside the products on the market.
Apple’s movement in folding technology also indicates the company’s broader strategy to diversify its product portfolio. By entering the folding market, Apple not only increases its hardware alignment, but also strengthens its leading position in innovation. The planned launch of the iPad folding in 2028 reflects Apple’s long-term vision and ability to anticipate and shape future trends in the technology industry.
In conclusion, Apple’s iPad folding represents a significant step forward in design and functionality, offering a look at the future of the computer. As the company continues to refine its prototypes and meet technical challenges, iPad folding could become a flagship product that redefines how users interact with technology. Although the device is still far away in years, its potential impact on the technology industry and consumer behaviour is already generating emotions and expectations.