We've been hearing rumors about Apple's exploration of a foldable iPhone for years now, but the Cupertino company is also experimenting with other foldable form factors, including a larger-screened foldable iPad that could come out around 2029.
This guide covers everything that we've heard about the possibility of a future foldable tablet from Apple.
Rumors
Apple is rumored to be working on foldable displays that are up to 20 inches in size, though there is some disagreement on whether a foldable device will be an iPad or a Mac.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman initially saidd that Apple was working on a foldable iPad with a ~20-inch display that would come out in 2028, but he later said it would have an 18-inch display and launch in 2029.
According to information from The Elec, Apple is developing a 20-inch OLED foldable display that could be destined for a future MacBook or iPad. The display is said to measure in at 20.25 inches specifically, which would feature a 15.3-inch screen when folded.
The Elec also claims that Apple is working on a working on a foldable device that's around 7 to 8 inches, and that could ultimately replace Apple's 8.3-inch iPad mini. Apple is said to be aiming to launch the device between 2026 and 2027.
Research firm Omdia believes that Apple will come out with a 20.3-inch foldable OLED iPad Pro in 2027 or later.
Analyst Jeff Pu believes the foldable device that Apple is working on will be a MacBook-iPad hybrid with a touch-based screen and support for macOS. Apple has said that it does not plan to make a touchscreen Mac or to merge iOS and macOS, but it's possible the companies plans have changed. Apple is making design changes in iOS 19 and macOS 16 that will better unify the design, so a touchscreen Mac isn't out of the question.
Display Technology
Some rumors have suggested that Apple will work with LG on an ultra-thin cover glass instead of polyimide, which is what other foldable displays use, while other rumors suggest that Apple will use technology from Samsung Display.
Apple is testing electronic paper display (EPD) technology that could be used in future foldable devices, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Apple could use color EPD displays from Chinese company E Ink, as this technology would be much more energy efficient than other forms of display technology.
Resolution
At somewhere around 20 inches, the foldable device that Apple is working on could feature a 4K or higher resolution.
Under Display Face ID
A prototype foldable iPad that Apple is working on has under-display Face ID technology, so that is possibly a feature that we could see for the launch version. The device has a "metal superstructure lens" that integrates the transceiver and transmitter components of Face ID for under-display facial recognition.
Carbon Fiber Kickstand
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's foldable iPad will feature a carbon fiber kickstand, which will be light and durable.
Design Issues
Apple has not finalized the design of the foldable iPad, and it is working to lower component costs as it works to make chances to the device.
Apple is reportedly concerned with the foldable iPad's screen and hinges, including display creasing. Apple is working with LG and Samsung to find a solution that mitigates creasing, and it also needs to source hinges.
OLED First
Nikkei Asia believes that Apple is focused on bringing OLED technology to its iPad and MacBook lineups rather than developing its first foldable. Apple is said to be planning to consider a foldable iPad after the transition to OLED is complete, but it is not a main focus and there is no timeline for launch as of yet.
Cost
Apple's large-screened foldable device could be up to three times more expensive than the 13-inch iPad Pro, which is priced at $1,299.
Release Date
Analyst Ross Young said that he expects a foldable tablet-like device in 2026 or 2027, while Bloomberg's Mark Gurman initially said that Apple was looking to launch a foldable iPad in 2028. Apple has run into issues with display costs and weight, which could delay the foldable iPad until 2029.
According to analyst Jeff Pu, Apple will release a foldable larger-screened device in late 2026 or 2027. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said the foldable iPad will be released in 2028.
Apple may have abandoned plans for a foldable "iPad Ultra," according to a Chinese leaker who often has accurate insight into Apple's plans. Apple apparently has no intention of releasing an iPad Ultra because of weak iPad Pro sales.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said in April that upcoming Apple CEO John Ternus is prioritizing a large-screened foldable iPad, but it still might be a project that never launches.
