Apple is anticipated to introduce an 18.8-inch foldable iPad, tentatively referred to as the iPad Fold, as early as next year, which is sooner than previously anticipated. According to GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu, the iPad Fold is expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2026, indicating that its official launch may occur sometime thereafter. It is expected to debut alongside Apple’s foldable iPhone.
This development suggests that the rumors surrounding the iPad Fold are progressing toward reality. Pu noted that both the iPad Fold and the foldable iPhone are currently in the new product introduction (NPI) stage at Foxconn, a sign that they are in the final stages of preparation, and future leaks regarding these devices will likely be more reliable.
The potential launch timeframe for the iPad Fold varies, with expectations of mass production beginning in late 2026. While it is conceivable that Apple could announce the device late next year, there remains the possibility that the launch might be pushed to early 2027, depending on production schedules.
Previous predictions have varied, with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggesting that the iPad Fold might feature a 20-inch screen and launch in 2028. In contrast, display analyst Ross Young has indicated that Apple could enter the foldable screen market between 2026 and 2027, highlighting potential discrepancies in analysts’ assessments of the products.
Details concerning the iPad Fold remain somewhat ambiguous. Some sources have indicated that it could align more with iPad functionality, while others suggest it might take on characteristics of a Mac. Jeff Pu mentioned that the larger-screen iPad Fold is likely to operate on macOS with touch controls, whereas analyst Ming-Chi Kuo referred to it as a MacBook. Gurman, on the other hand, maintains that it will be an iPad. Ultimately, Apple’s decision regarding the device’s direction will hinge on the operating system it will support.
