Apple is reportedly working on a revolutionary foldable device that could hit the market as early as 2026. According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the tech giant has been quietly developing a product with a massive 20-inch display, signaling Apple’s potential entry into the foldable device segment, which is rapidly gaining popularity.
Insights from Industry Experts
Mark Gurman shared these insights in his weekly “Power On” newsletter, citing information sourced from Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants. Supply-chain checks hint that Apple is deep into the development of a foldable product, aiming to introduce a completely new form factor in its lineup.
Ross Young is a well-respected figure in the tech and display industry, known for accurate predictions about screen technologies. His involvement adds significant credibility to these rumors. Given Apple’s history of refining emerging technologies before mass adoption, a foldable device from the company could reshape the market.
What to Expect: Dual-Screen Hybrid Design
Gurman elaborated on Apple’s possible design approach, suggesting two major possibilities for the upcoming device. The first option involves a foldable 20-inch screen attached to a physical keyboard, making it a versatile hybrid between a MacBook and an iPad. Alternatively, Apple could opt for a fully virtual setup, where one side of the foldable display functions as a touch-screen keyboard.
“I’m told Apple has indeed been exploring a dual-screen, foldable MacBook/iPad hybrid,” Gurman wrote. “It would trade in the physical keyboard and trackpad for a fully touch-screen base.” This means that instead of the traditional mechanical keys and touchpad, users would interact with the device entirely through its expansive screen, offering a more dynamic and customizable interface.
Development Timeline and Progress
According to Gurman, Apple has been developing this foldable device for at least two years. This timeline suggests that the project is well beyond the concept stage and is possibly moving toward prototype and production planning.
Apple typically spends years perfecting new device categories before launching them. For example, the Apple Watch, AirPods, and Vision Pro headset were under development for extensive periods before they were unveiled. Hence, a 2026 launch window for a foldable MacBook/iPad hybrid aligns with Apple’s product development style.
Foldable Devices: A Growing Trend
Foldable technology is no longer a novelty; it is becoming increasingly mainstream. According to data from the International Data Corporation (IDC), foldable smartphone shipments are on a sharp rise. IDC reports that around 4 million foldable smartphones were shipped in 2021, up from 1.9 million units in 2020. This doubling of shipments within a year highlights growing consumer interest and technological advancements in the foldables space.
Major brands like Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola have already introduced foldable smartphones to the market, and while adoption has been relatively niche, it is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Apple’s entry into this segment could significantly accelerate mainstream acceptance, given the company’s influence over consumer trends.
Potential Features and Use Cases
A 20-inch foldable device could open up numerous possibilities for users:
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Multitasking: With such a large screen, users could comfortably run multiple apps side by side, enhancing productivity.
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Creative Workflows: Artists, designers, and video editors could benefit from a spacious, portable canvas for creative tasks.
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Gaming and Entertainment: A large foldable screen could offer immersive gaming experiences and high-quality media consumption.
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Flexible Use: Depending on the orientation and mode, users could transform the device from a traditional laptop to a tablet or even a tent mode for media viewing.
The versatility of a foldable device could appeal to a wide range of professional and casual users alike.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the excitement, launching a foldable MacBook/iPad hybrid won’t be without challenges:
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Durability: Foldable screens are more fragile than traditional displays. Apple would need to ensure the product meets its famously high durability standards.
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Software Optimization: A device that can seamlessly shift between different form factors will require significant updates to macOS, iPadOS, or potentially a new hybrid operating system.
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Pricing: Apple devices are generally premium-priced. A large foldable product could carry an even higher price tag, limiting its initial audience.
Nonetheless, if any company has the resources and experience to overcome these hurdles, it’s Apple.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Apple?
The prospect of a foldable MacBook/iPad hybrid indicates that Apple is ready to explore new frontiers beyond the traditional laptop and tablet formats. While the device is still a couple of years away from launch, early reports are enough to generate excitement among tech enthusiasts and Apple fans worldwide.
If successful, the launch could redefine how users interact with personal computing devices, just as the original iPhone did with smartphones. As the foldable market continues to mature, Apple’s upcoming entry could mark the beginning of a new era in personal technology.
