Two iPad Pros could be placed side-by-side in Apple’s foldable iPad

Apple is reportedly aiming to launch a foldable 18.8-inch iPad by 2028, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter. The tech giant’s industrial design team has made significant progress, managing to create prototypes that boast a “nearly invisible crease.” These prototypes are described as resembling “two iPad Pros side-by-side,” hinting at an ambitious approach to merging design with functionality.

Speculation surrounding a foldable iPad has been circulating for years. Some recent rumors suggest a smaller foldable version could debut as early as 2026 or 2027. Gurman’s insights today echo earlier reports about a large 20-inch foldable “iPad/MacBook hybrid” he mentioned back in 2022. While this hybrid won’t necessarily run macOS, Gurman suggests it might incorporate features from both Mac and iPad devices. By 2028, iPadOS is expected to evolve significantly, potentially reaching a level where it could support macOS applications.

This crossover of app ecosystems isn’t far-fetched, given that Macs currently support iPhone and iPad apps. Extending this capability in reverse could further enhance the device’s appeal. The high price tag that an 18.8-inch foldable iPad might carry would likely be easier to justify if it could also handle macOS applications, offering a more versatile and premium experience. To put things into perspective, the current 13-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,299, so a foldable model with twice the screen size is bound to come with an even heftier price.

Gurman also touched on Apple’s foldable iPhone plans, which remain in development but are unlikely to launch before 2026. His information aligns with an internal Apple display roadmap that has recently surfaced. This roadmap hints at several future milestones, including the release of OLED MacBook Pros in 2026 and an OLED MacBook Air update slated for 2027. Additionally, the foldable 18.8-inch iPad seems to represent Apple’s push to reimagine large-screen devices, blending their signature innovation with bold advancements in display technology.