Apple Prepares Foldable IPad For 2028, Potentially Run MacOS App

Apple is developing its first foldable device which is planned to be released in 2028. (photo: x @MacRumors ·)

JAKARTA - Apple is reportedly developing its first foldable device which is planned to be released in 2028. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, this device will be in the form of something like a giant iPad that can be folded into a size of two iPad Pros side by side.

Rumors about Apple's foldable devices have been circulating for years. However, this latest report shows that Apple is getting more and more serious about working on one particular product. One of Apple's main focuses in development is avoiding the appearance of folding on the screen.

Gurman noted that the initial prototype in Apple's industrial design team showed almost invisible folding. However, Apple is still trying to perfect it to completely disappear.

This new product prototype has almost invisible folds. However, it is too early to say whether Apple will completely remove it. Samsung, which launched its first foldable phone five years ago, has not succeeded in removing the folds," Gurman wrote.

When opened, the screen of this device is estimated to be about 20 inches in size, with a design in the form of a uninterrupted glass sheet. This will be a more aimed high-end device for large needs such as replacing a laptop.

Regarding the operating system, Gurman estimates this device will use an iPadOS version that has been refined. However, he also mentioned the possibility of this device having the ability to run the macOS app.

"I don't believe this device will be a pure combination of the iPad and Mac, but this device will have elements of both. By 2028, the iPadOS is likely to be sophisticated enough to run the macOS app," he explained.

The ability to run the macOS app on this foldable iPad has the potential to attract the attention of users, especially those seeking high productivity in more portable devices.

Apple's folding strategy seems to be focused on creating a large screen that can be carried in a bag, instead of creating a suboptimal small tablet experience for the pocket. This is different from the approach of some of its competitors, who first presented smaller foldable devices.

Apart from folding iPads, Apple is also reportedly exploring folding iPhone ideas. However, the device is likely to be launched in 2026 as soon as possible.

This folding iPad device is positioned as Apple's great step in expanding its product line. If successful, this device can be a breakthrough that combines Apple's ecosystem strength with folding screen technology innovation.