iPad Foldable: Analyst sees postponement to 2027
In addition to a first folding iPhone, Apple is allegedly also planning a folding tablet with a large screen. An analyst has now corrected a statement on this.
iPad Pro: Currently still flat and inflexible.
(Image: Apple)
One analyst, who had previously assumed that Apple would include a foldable tablet in its range for the first time next year, now sees the launch at least a year later. In a note to investors published by Jeff Pu from GF Securities in Hong Kong, it is stated that a “foldable device with 18.8 inches” has “probably been postponed” by Apple. Previously, Pu, who is considered one of the more reliable Apple augurs, had predicted 2026 for the foldable iPad, the same year in which the first iPhone foldable is generally expected.
“Gigantic” iPad with up to 20 inches
However, Pu's statement only echoes the opinions of other Apple observers. Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, for example, also believes that a foldable iPad will not be released until later. Last year, however, he predicted 2028 rather than 2027. In his opinion, the device should be “gigantic,” like two iPad Pro models side by side. So it remains to be seen whether Apple will stick with 18.8 inches or even go up to 20 inches.
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It is also still unclear whether the device is actually an iPad or more of a MacBook. Apple always emphasizes that it sees iPads and Macs as separate product categories and does not want to turn the Mac into touchscreen hardware. Most recently, the iPad has once again come closer to macOS: iPadOS 26 will feature significantly improved window management on numerous devices, something users have been waiting for for a long time.
Speculation about MacBook with foldable screen
The Wall Street Journal also speculated last December about a “larger device that would serve as a laptop”. It was said to have a “roughly 19-inch” screen. The usually well-informed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also spoke of such a foldable device as a “MacBook,” and display expert Ross Young made similar statements. However, only Apple knows what will ultimately come and how it will be marketed. An iPad foldable would certainly be easier for the company to implement, as macOS is simply not suitable for touchscreens at the moment.
For now, it seems certain that Apple will launch an iPhone foldable on the market in fall 2026. According to Bloomberg, it will be more conventional. Apple is reportedly taking its cue from competitors such as Samsung's foldables. However, Apple is expected to deliver an almost wrinkle-free display when unfolded. When unfolded, the device is reportedly 7.8 inches, which would not quite come close to the iPad mini (8.3 inches).
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