Bloomberg reported over the weekend that Apple has created prototypes for a foldable iPad, targeting a 2028 launch. This innovative device is expected to unfold into a display nearing 20 inches in size.
This revelation is captivating, especially as it introduces a product that may seem just as niche as the Vision Pro. However, Apple might have motivations akin to those behind that earlier launch.
A foldable iPad is a niche product
Mark Gurman referred to it as “a giant iPad.”
Apple’s designers are crafting a device reminiscent of a giant iPad that unfolds to the size of two iPad Pros positioned side by side. The Cupertino firm has been refining this product for several years and aims to bring it to market around 2028, according to sources.
He anticipates the cost to exceed $2,000, which may be a conservative forecast.
My colleague Ryan Christoffel, who opted for an iPad over his MacBook, believes this could be his ideal device. While I’m certain it will attract a niche audience, its specialist appeal and hefty price tag suggest it will remain a niche offering, similar to the Vision Pro, rather than aligning with broader Apple products.
But it’s likely a test-bed for a future MacBook
Nonetheless, the Vision Pro has shown that Apple isn’t hesitant to introduce niche products if they serve as precursors to more mainstream technologies. CEO Tim Cook has openly discussed this strategy recently.
“At $3,500, it’s not a mass-market product,” Cook noted. “Right now, it’s an early-adopter product.”
The Vision Pro aims to pave the way for a more affordable headset option, ultimately leading to Apple Glasses.
In a similar vein, the foldable iPad seems to serve as a stepping stone toward a long-explored product: a MacBook featuring a soft keyboard. The Touch Bar represented an early effort in this direction, though it wasn’t particularly successful.
Bringing iPhone-like flexibility to a MacBook
When Steve Jobs launched the original iPhone in 2007, a crucial aspect of his presentation was the observation that all smartphones of that era included physical keyboards. While this was advantageous for tasks requiring standard input, he argued it was superfluous when it wasn’t needed.
A physical keyboard also restricts users to a singular layout, which may not be suitable for every app. Sometimes a US QWERTY layout is desired, while at other times, a foreign keyboard or a numeric keypad is preferable.
Various attempts have been made to create dynamic keyboards for laptops and desktops. Most commonly, this has involved physical keyboards equipped with dynamically assignable LCD, LED, or e-ink keycaps.
The first commercially available solution was by e3 Keys, which now utilizes the same technology for control panels. Sonder had plans for a similar concept using e-ink keycaps and was reportedly in discussions with Apple at one point.
The concept was to offer a QWERTY keyboard by default, but with contextual key changes—like transforming all keys into graphics representing editing tools when using software like Final Cut Pro.
Unfortunately, the Sonder keyboard never came to fruition, despite the company accepting pre-orders.
Nonetheless, a series of Apple patents indicate the company’s aspiration to innovate further, potentially leading to a fully soft keyboard, or rather, a secondary display that can function as a keyboard.
The three problems, and Apple’s proposed solutions
The concept of a MacBook equipped with a soft keyboard has stirred concerns among Mac enthusiasts, as it presents three significant challenges:
- Glass keyboards can be uncomfortable for typing.
- Virtual keys lack tactile feedback when pressed.
- Touch-typing becomes difficult since fingers cannot easily locate virtual keys.
Because of these issues, virtual keyboards are generally unsuitable for more than short messages.
However, Apple’s patents have outlined possible innovations to address each issue:
- A flexible, deformable keyboard designed to enhance typing comfort.
- Haptic feedback to replicate the feel of pressing a real key.
- An electrostatic charge that allows users to perceive the edges of virtual keys.
While the arrival of these innovations isn’t imminent, I must note that Apple has previously addressed similar challenges effectively—MacBook trackpads have been solid-state for years, offering convincing haptic feedback. I believe they will eventually overcome these obstacles.
Apple has a history of using the iPad as a test-bed
On numerous occasions, Apple has introduced new technologies through the iPad before adapting them for the Mac.
OLED screens exemplify this trend; although it originated as a costly technology, Apple’s initial applications were on smaller screens, such as the Apple Watch, followed by the iPhone and iPad, ahead of future MacBook implementations.
Face ID was first unveiled on the iPhone, then made its way to the iPad, but the Mac has yet to incorporate it.
The Center Stage camera functionality was introduced to the iPad in 2021, yet it only made its debut on the Mac this year with the latest M4 MacBook Pro.
Cellular iPads have existed for quite some time, but the earliest we could potentially see it on a Mac is 2026.
We also observe this pattern in software. Although iPadOS may typically trail behind macOS, there have been instances of new feature launches on the iPad prior to Mac, including the Books and Shortcuts apps, a complete Messages app, and more recently, Genmoji.
The four reasons for going iPad-first
I suspect this is Apple’s intention here, driven by four reasons to test the waters with the iPad first.
First and foremost, the iPad is already a fully touch-based device. While some users prefer the Magic Keyboard, the majority interact with it primarily through touch, thus eliminating any complications in maintaining this format.
Second, there’s the technological aspect. Apple’s proposed solutions for creating a functional soft keyboard will take considerable time to develop and likely remain several years away.
Third, there’s the potential for controversy. Even after resolving the three concerns, introducing a MacBook lacking a physical keyboard will inevitably provoke significant discourse! Even as a single option among various models, this move would eclipse previous changes like eliminating headphone jacks.
Fourth—and I aim to convey this delicately to those who rely on iPads as their primary devices—there’s less risk associated with the iPad. While the iPhone certainly stands as Apple’s most profitable device, the Mac is often regarded as the company’s hallmark of seriousness and professionalism. A misstep in an iPad launch could bear fewer repercussions than a similar mistake with a Mac.
What’s your view?
In conclusion, I believe a foldable iPad will emerge as a costly niche product, similar to the Vision Pro, yet will serve as a precursor toward the audacious shift of an all-screen MacBook. What do you think?
I invite you to share your perspectives in the comments.
Image: Michael Bower/DMN
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