Apple's foldable display: Mac or iPad – which is next?

Apple is working on a foldable device with a large display of approximately 19 inches. Rumors are conflicting: some sources refer to it as an iPad, others as a Mac. The reason for this disagreement lies primarily in the software Apple might use. There's no definitive information yet, but various analysts and insiders have provided initial clues about what Apple is planning.

Foldable displays are no longer a novelty. Samsung, Lenovo, and other manufacturers have already launched foldable smartphones and laptops. Apple, on the other hand, has so far remained reserved and hasn't released a single foldable device. In addition to speculation about a foldable iPhone, there are now hints of a larger Apple device with a foldable screen. The question is: Will it be an iPad or a Mac? Or could it be an entirely new product category?

Is it a Mac?

Some reports speak of a MacBook with a single foldable display. This would be a significant departure from the current MacBook design, which, while foldable, always consists of two separate parts – screen and keyboard. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this device will have a screen size between 18.8 and 20.2 inches. Display expert Ross Young confirms that Apple is working on a notebook with an 18.8-inch display. The Wall Street Journal also reports on a MacBook with a foldable 19-inch screen. Such a device could have two different usage modes. When folded, it could be used like a MacBook with a virtual keyboard. When unfolded, it could serve as a large display for productive work with an external keyboard. This idea is reminiscent of Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Fold, which also uses a foldable display.

Or maybe an iPad?

Other sources assume it's an iPad. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg describes it as an iPad with a 20-inch display that folds down to 15.3 inches. Market research firm Omdia even talks about a foldable 20.3-inch iPad Pro, which will be equipped with OLED technology. Ming-Chi Kuo also initially described the device as a MacBook, but later referred to it as an iPad. He claims that Apple will install a carbon fiber kickstand to make the device stable. A foldable iPad would make sense for several reasons. The iPad is already a single-screen device that is operated by touch. A foldable model could offer more display space while still being compact to transport.

Or a mixture of both?

Some insiders believe it's possible that Apple will develop a combination of iPad and Mac. Analyst Jeff Pu is talking about a hybrid device that will likely run macOS instead of iPadOS. This would be Apple's first Mac device to market with a touchscreen. macOS doesn't currently support touch input, but Apple could adapt the operating system accordingly. According to Mark Gurman, the company is working on changes to iOS 19 and macOS 16 to more closely unify the two operating systems. This could be a preparation for foldable devices or Macs with touchscreens. Such a hybrid model would have the advantage of being able to be used as both a large tablet and a laptop. It could combine the strengths of the iPad and Mac, which would be an attractive solution for many users.

Foldable MacBook-iPad hybrid device to be released with macOS

When could the device be released?

Market launch predictions vary. Some analysts predict Apple will unveil the foldable iPad or Mac as early as 2026. Others expect a release between 2027 and 2028. If the device is due to be released next year, more leaks and more precise information should emerge soon. If that doesn't happen, a later launch is more likely.

Foldable Apple device: Which product line is better?

Whether Apple classifies its foldable, large-screen device as an iPad or a Mac depends primarily on the operating system. If it runs macOS, it will be considered a Mac. If Apple opts for iPadOS, it will be included in the iPad family. The most likely scenario, however, is a hybrid device that combines elements of both product lines. There's no official information yet, but if Apple is truly planning a foldable device, it could fundamentally change the way iPads and Macs are used. The coming months will reveal how concrete the plans are. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Photo by Unsplash+ / Planet Volumes)