Apple's Alleged Foldable iPad Appears Overly Sized for Its Own Benefit
Apple's Alleged Foldable iPad Appears Overly Sized for Its Own Benefit
Apple is rumored to make a significant leap in device technology with foldable devices, as suggested by recent whispers in the tech sphere. While companies like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus have already introduced foldable devices, Apple might just manage to produce a creaseless display, a claim that remains to be seen. The question is, will Apple enthusiasts get excited about a device as large as two iPad Pros side-by-side?
The speculation around Apple's foldable devices has been bubbling since 2024. In his latest newsletter, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg revealed the most detailed insights about this potential foldable iPad. This upcoming product from the Cupertino tech giant would be the size of "two iPad Pros side-by-side." Gurman didn't specify if this referred to the 11-inch or 13-inch iPad Pro, but either way, it's a substantial size for a handheld device. According to his sources, Apple aims to release its foldable device in 2028.
That leaves ample time for Apple to develop something between iPadOS and macOS, necessary if they expect users to utilize this massive touchscreen effectively. The iPad Pro M4 boasted an excellent display, but its multitasking capabilities were limited by iPadOS. The report doesn't mention if the foldable iPad will include a keyboard, but if it's a hybrid device, offering some tactile, physical controls would enhance its desktop-like functionality.
Apple's rumored foldable device, allegedly tested by its designers, boasts a "nearly invisible crease." Given its potential 20+-inch size, it will be too large for most people to comfortably hold like a tablet. Gurman referenced Microsoft's canceled Courier foldable from 2010, but there have been many more recent examples.
For instance, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold or the HP Spectre Fold. The latter was a $5,000 laptop-tablet hybrid that felt like an underpowered desktop or an oversized Windows 11 tablet. Asus experimented with the foldable design with the Zenbook 17 Fold OLED, but more recent designs like the Zenbook Duo have opted for two screens attached to a hinge instead of folding.
The largest MacBook Pro measures a comfortable 16 inches. Devices larger than 18 inches struggle to fit into most backpacks, making a foldable a viable option for those looking to carry a full desktop setup while traveling.
The closest we've come to a flawless folding panel was the OnePlus Open. Although Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series still has a noticeable crease, and Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold maintains a slight bump when running your finger along the screen, the last we heard about an iPhone foldable, it was slated for 2026. That's relatively late to the foldable party, considering the competition in the market. Even a tri-fold form factor is up for consideration.
However, Apple may not make us wait too long for updates to their existing products. Gurman mentioned that Apple could potentially fix the Magic Mouse. Its recent upgrades have simply involved switching to USB-C, like every other Apple device. According to the Bloomberg writer, Apple is testing a device that allows simultaneous use and charging. Unfortunately, Apple CEO Tim Cook wasn't too enthusiastic about the device and may finally give it the much-needed facelift within the next year or year and a half.
Finally, Apple may be planning to refresh its line of Bluetooth trackers. The next version of AirTag could potentially have a longer range, according to Gurman's sources. They claim that the next AirTag will feature an ultrawide-band chip on-device, allowing more iPhones and other Apple devices to detect the trackers from farther away, improving real-time tracking accuracy. It should also make locating the devices easier. Recently, Apple added a Share Item Location feature to its AirTags, enabling users to share location information with third parties.
Apple's rumored plans for a foldable device in 2028 could revolutionize technology, potentially offering a device size equivalent to 'two iPad Pros side-by-side'. This future tech from Apple may also feature a nearly invisible crease, aiming to surpass current competitors in foldable technology.
The speculated foldable iPad from Apple, boasting a large screen, might require Apple to innovate, developing a hybrid operating system capable of efficiently utilizing such a substantial touchscreen. This new OS could bridge the gap between iPadOS and macOS, enhancing multitasking capabilities, similar to how the iPad Pro M4's display performed well, yet its multitasking was limited by iPadOS.