Apple seems determined to enter the foldable device market , despite significant technical difficulties that still exist. According to new information from well-known leaker Digital Chat Station , the company continues to develop a large foldable iPad , which will utilize advanced hinge technology and a design with almost no visible crease (crease-free) on the screen.
The same sources say that Apple plans to use similar technology to the one it is developing for its first foldable iPhone, which is rumored to be released as the iPhone Ultra in the fall. If the leaks are confirmed, the company is preparing to open up a whole new category of premium foldable devices, combining tablet and laptop features in a single product.
A foldable iPad that resembles a MacBook
The information converges on the fact that the new device will have a screen of about 18 inches, most likely OLED technology manufactured by Samsung. When closed, the device will resemble a compact laptop, with an aluminum body and a design reminiscent of a MacBook. When fully opened, it will turn into a huge single screen without a physical keyboard.
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This approach is considered particularly important, as Apple seems to be challenging the traditional boundaries between the iPad and the MacBook for the first time. For years, the company has argued that the two products serve different needs, but a foldable iPad of this size seems to bring the two categories closer together.
Some analysts are already describing the device as a "foldable MacBook," while others believe it will be a new premium version of the iPad Pro with productivity capabilities that until now we have mainly encountered in laptops.
Technical difficulties remain great
Despite the progress, the device's development still appears to be facing serious hurdles. According to previous Bloomberg reports, Apple has been deeply concerned about the device's weight , the durability of the foldable panel , and reducing the visible crease on the screen.
Current prototypes are said to weigh around 1.5kg, significantly heavier than today's iPad Pros. This raises questions about the device's practicality as a portable everyday tool.
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Meanwhile, the lack of a physical keyboard remains one of the most controversial aspects of the design. Although Apple has invested significantly in gesture controls and touch experiences, many users still believe that typing on a virtual keyboard cannot fully replace the experience of a traditional laptop.
Apple aims for foldable displays without creases
One of Apple's biggest bets seems to be eliminating the characteristic crease seen on most foldable smartphones and tablets on the market. The information indicates that the company is working on a new hinge mechanism that will drastically reduce the visible crease and offer a more durable user experience.
Apple has been significantly slower to enter the foldable category than competitors like Samsung, Huawei, and Honor. However, the company's strategy remains consistent: wait until the technology is mature enough to offer an experience that meets its standards.
This is why the first foldable iPhone is rumored not to be released before the iPhone 18 series, while the foldable iPad may even be postponed to 2029.
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Foldable devices are changing the market
Apple's potential entry into the foldable market is expected to impact the entire industry. Until now, foldable devices have remained a premium but relatively niche category, mainly due to high cost and durability limitations.
But Apple has the ability to turn a niche technology into a mainstream product, as it has done in the past with smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. Although the potential price of a foldable iPad is estimated to reach as much as $3,900, the device could be a benchmark for the future of hybrid computing devices.
The only thing certain is that the next five years are expected to drastically change the way we perceive mobile technology, with foldable screens playing an increasingly important role in the premium device ecosystem.
