New rumors are emerging regarding Apple’s plans for a significant foldable iPad. With fresh insights now available, as a frequent iPad user, my excitement is building—yet some pivotal questions linger.
Foldable iPad Featuring an 18.8-Inch Display
Speculation about a foldable iPad and/or all-display MacBook has been ongoing. While I never found the concept of an all-display Mac compelling, a recent report suggests that this future device is likely to be a foldable iPad instead.
Mark Gurman shared his insights this weekend:
According to Apple designers, they are creating a large tablet that can unfold into a size comparable to two iPad Pros arranged side by side. The project has been in development for a couple of years, with plans to introduce it around 2028. A document suggesting Apple’s display strategy circulated last week on X, implying that the tech giant aims for an 18.8-inch foldable screen to launch between 2028 and 2030. This aligns with what I have been hearing concerning an Apple foldable device.
My first impression of this news? This might just be the device I’ve always envisioned.
Here’s why.
Why the Foldable iPad Could Be My Ideal Device
As someone who has relied heavily on the iPad for years, I have experienced many major models since the original iPad’s release in 2010.
Between 2010 and 2015, I utilized the iPad and iPad mini as a third device, fitting seamlessly alongside my Mac and iPhone for high portability.
However, everything shifted with the introduction of the first iPad Pro in late 2015.
I initially thought the iPad Pro was excessively large, but then I pondered: what if it could serve as my laptop replacement?
The outcome has been remarkable. For nearly a decade, the iPad Pro has functioned as my primary computing device, with only rare exceptions.
Despite this, there has always been a challenge: while the 13-inch iPad Pro is ideal for laptop use, it feels unwieldy as a tablet.
Conversely, the 11-inch iPad Pro is a fantastic tablet, but its screen size limitations make it less effective for laptop use.
Now, Apple appears to be developing a device that could harmoniously integrate both tablet and laptop functionalities.
There are still numerous questions and ambiguities, but the foldable device could essentially deliver the compact feel of an 11-inch iPad Pro while providing the functionality of a laptop with its expansive display.
Unresolved Questions and Concerns
While I’m overall enthusiastic about the potential, several questions keep my excitement in check. Here are three key areas I’m particularly curious about:
Tablet Mode: Will the device support a ‘half-screen’ tablet mode, allowing an 11-inch tablet experience? If not, it could perform worse as a tablet than the 13-inch iPad Pro.
Keyboard Compatibility: Will the foldable support a Magic Keyboard-style accessory? I imagine that the new design may not easily accommodate a physical keyboard case. While the additional on-screen keyboard space may address this concern, it’s still a significant question for someone who uses the current Magic Keyboard daily.
iPadOS Enhancements: With 2028 being a few years away, Apple has ample opportunity to refine iPadOS for multitasking. However, if the company releases an 18.8-inch iPad with the existing multitasking features, I fear the added screen space could be underutilized.
In Conclusion: The Foldable iPad
Apple tends not to create products merely for trends, which is evident in its approach to foldable technology. While many companies have released foldable smartphones and tablets over the years, Apple has exercised caution.
This leads me to believe that when the foldable iPad finally debuts, it will serve a meaningful purpose. I sincerely hope that purpose is to merge the best features of the iPad Pro into one device.
In essence, an ‘iPad Ultra’ could cater to both tablet and laptop users.
What are your thoughts regarding the rumors of a foldable iPad? Share your insights in the comments below.
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