Apple’s plans for launching its first foldable device with a large display may take longer than expected. While recent rumors have centered around a foldable iPhone debuting in late 2026 or early 2027, earlier reports had suggested that a foldable iPad or Mac with an 18.8-inch screen might actually be the first foldable Apple product to hit the market.
However, according to a new report from Jeff Pu, an analyst at GF Securities known for his accurate Apple insights, Apple has internally delayed the launch of this larger foldable device. Originally, the device was expected to enter mass production in Q4 2026, aiming for a 2027 release. With the delay, that timeline is now uncertain.
Pu did not provide a new estimated release date or details on the reason behind the delay. However, this update casts doubt on when the tech giant’s larger-screen foldable will become available. Adding to the speculation, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, another reliable Apple insider, believes a foldable iPad could now be released in 2028, and he expects the display size to be around 20 inches.
It still remains unclear whether the upcoming device will be branded as an iPad or a Mac, but what is confirmed is that the screen will be larger than Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone. Given its size and potential functionality, it may blur the line between tablet and laptop.
The exact operating system that the foldable device will run is also uncertain. However, with a possible launch still three years away or more, software details may not be finalized yet.
While Apple has yet to confirm any foldable product officially, expectations remain high for the tech company to enter the foldable market. For now, Apple fans may have to wait longer for a foldable iPad or Mac, as development appears to be ongoing with no confirmed release window.