New speculation has emerged about Apple working on a sizable foldable iPad. As a dedicated iPad user, I find this news thrilling—though there are still many unanswered questions.
Foldable iPad with an 18.8-Inch Display Under Development
For a while, there have been discussions regarding a foldable iPad and/or a fully-screen MacBook. I’ve always found the concept of an all-screen Mac puzzling, but recent reports suggest that a foldable iPad might be on the horizon after all.
Mark Gurman reported this past weekend:
Apple’s design team is working on a device resembling a large iPad that can unfold to the width of two iPad Pros side-by-side. The company has been refining this product for a few years and is targeting a release around 2028. Additionally, a document surfaced last week on X that claimed to outline Apple’s display intentions, indicating that the iPhone manufacturer plans to introduce an 18.8-inch foldable screen between 2028 and 2030, which aligns with what I’ve heard regarding an Apple foldable computer.
My first thought on this news? This could be the ultimate device I’ve always envisioned.
Here’s my rationale.
Reasons the Foldable iPad Might Be My Ideal Device
As a long-time iPad enthusiast, I’ve used numerous models since the initial launch in 2010.
Between 2010 and 2015, I leveraged the iPad and iPad mini as a supplementary device, complementing my Mac and iPhone as a lightweight tablet.
Things shifted in late 2015 with the introduction of the original iPad Pro.
Initially, I found the iPad Pro to be excessively large. However, I soon considered an intriguing possibility: could it serve as a laptop replacement?
This thought transformed my usage habits. I’ve been using the iPad Pro as my main computing device for nearly ten years—only rarely using anything else.
Despite this, there has always been a drawback: the 13-inch iPad Pro is my favorite size, excellent for laptop tasks but cumbersome as a tablet.
In contrast, the 11-inch iPad Pro excels as a tablet yet feels constrained for laptop use due to its limited screen space.
Now, Apple is developing a device that could strike a perfect balance, serving as both a capable laptop and tablet in one.
While many details remain unconfirmed, Apple’s foldable device holds promise for delivering essentially the advantages of an 11-inch iPad Pro combined with enhanced laptop functionality—thanks to its expansive display.
Key Questions and Concerns
While I am genuinely excited about this development, several questions still temper my enthusiasm. Here are three specific areas that I’m particularly curious about:
Tablet Mode: Will it be possible to utilize the device in a ‘half-screen’ tablet configuration? Essentially providing a user experience akin to an 11-inch tablet? If not, the foldable may turn out to be less effective as a tablet than the 13-inch iPad Pro.
Keyboard Accessories: Will this foldable device support a Magic Keyboard-style accessory? I suspect that the new design may not accommodate a traditional keyboard case. Perhaps the additional space afforded by the touchscreen keyboard will alleviate this concern, but as a frequent Magic Keyboard user, this remains a significant question.
iPadOS Enhancements: With 2028 still a few years away, Apple has ample time to upgrade iPadOS with multitasking improvements. However, if they release an 18.8-inch iPad with the existing multitasking framework, I worry that the increased screen space might go underutilized.
In Conclusion: The Foldable iPad
Apple tends to innovate thoughtfully rather than follow trends. This is evident in their approach to foldable devices, as they have resisted launching foldable phones or tablets while others have done so for years.
I’m confident that if and when the foldable iPad finally arrives, it will possess a compelling purpose. I hope that it aims to combine the best features of both iPad Pro configurations.
Think of it as an iPad Ultra to address the demands of both tablet and laptop users.
What are your thoughts on the rumors surrounding the foldable iPad? Share your opinions in the comments.
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