The iPad Fold, as it’s being touted, could arrive as soon as next year.
A new report suggests that the first folding iPad could be on track to land in 2026.
The new foldable iPad would, according to the report, be a massive 18.8-inch iPad when at full size.
There are also suggestions that this will come alongside an iPhone Fold.
The iPad Fold report
The latest report comes from analyst Jeff Pu, seen in a research note by 9to5Mac where this date was revealed.
This report points out that we can expect two foldable mobile devices from Apple in 2026. That includes a 7.8-inch iPhone Fold and an 18.8-inch iPad Fold.
What is less clear is whether Apple will simply announce these devices, or if they will be available to buy. Based on Apple’s usual timeline, a hardware announcement is usually followed by availability within months, so hopes are high.
Pu claims that both devices will enter mass production in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Another viewpoint
Despite these claims, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman says the folding iPads won’t arrive until much later, in 2028.
Gurman said: “Apple designers are developing something akin to a giant iPad that unfolds into the size of two iPad Pros side-by-side. The Cupertino, California-based company has been honing the product for a couple of years now and is aiming to bring something to market around 2028, I’m told.”
What’s really interesting here is that Pu first spoke about these folding Apple mobile devices last August. Then Gurman made his claims at the back end of last year. Now Pu – who usually takes Gurman and other supply chain sources into account – is doubling down on a 2026 release date.
This certainly creates some excitement around these potential new Apple Fold devices. Expect to start seeing leaked components and more supply chain stories in the coming months – if that 2026 date is accurate. Failing that, we may have to wait far longer before Apple joins the foldable market.
Luke has over two decades of experience covering tech, science and health. Among many others, Luke writes about health tech…
The iPad doesn’t need AI, but Apple must fix something else
I just finished testing the new entry-level iPad, and so far, I am fairly impressed by the tablet. You can’t get a better value than this slate for $349. From the external hardware to the innards, there is hardly any alternative from the Android side that can deliver a superior experience.
This year, Apple delivered a couple of surprises, in addition to the expected chip upgrade. You now get twice the storage for the same ask, and the RAM has also been bumped up. In a nutshell, it’s faster, better at multi-tasking, and without any storage headaches, even if your budget is tight.
Apple, however, hasn’t fixed the software situation with iPadOS, which continues to bother with its fair share of quirks in tow. This year, however, the software gulf is even wider between the baseline iPad and every other tablet in Apple’s portfolio. Stage Manager has been the big differentiator so far, but in 2025, we have another deep chasm.
A good riddance with AI
Read more
Here’s a big reason the ‘iPhone Fold’ will look like an iPad
Apple is expected to launch its first “iPhone Fold” in 2026, several years after rival companies like Samsung and OnePlus have already released their own foldable devices. The reason for Apple’s delay in entering the foldable market is not entirely clear. However, one plausible explanation is that Apple has focused on ensuring the device offers a seamless transition between the outer and inner displays.
This week, it was reported that Apple plans to use a liquid metal hinge in the iPhone Fold. This innovation aims to enhance durability and reduce the visibility of the display crease. Creasing was a significant issue for early foldable devices, such as the first Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, but it has improved considerably over the years.
Read more
iPhone now lets you make WhatsApp your default for messages and calls, here’s how
iPhone users can now get setup so that WhatsApp is their default messaging and calling app.
If your iPhone is updated to iOS 18.2 then the functionality is already available for you right now.
Read more
