Apple will launch its highly anticipated larger foldable iPad sooner than anticipated, at least according to a new report. The new time frame suggests that the larger 18.8-inch foldable iPad could be announced alongside the foldable iPhone by the end of next year, which means that the long-standing rumors are finally lining up for a potential launch. A prominent analyst now claims that Apple's larger 18.8-inch iPad Fold will enter mass production in the second half of 2026, which is an indication that the launch will happen a few months later.
iPad Fold could launch by the end of 2026 or early 2027, depending on when Apple commences mass production of the device
Apple's larger iPad Fold is expected to launch by the end of next year, and the device will enter mass production in late 2026. Jeff Pu, from GF Securities, claims in his latest investor notes that it will be introduced alongside the foldable iPhone (via MacRumors). The analyst previously claimed that the two foldable devices from Apple have entered the NPI or New Product Introduction stage recently at Foxconn. This means that the devices are finally taking shape, and any forthcoming leaks and reports would have more heft than before.
While mass production of the iPad Fold is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2026, the final launch time frame could vary. For instance, if the device enters mass production early, then Apple could see fit to announce it by the end of next year. However, there is also a solid possibility that Apple will launch the new foldable devices early in 2026, depending on when it begins mass production of the products.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has a slightly different theory, as he claims that the larger iPad Fold will feature a 20-inch display and will see daylight in 2028. It can be presumed that both of these analysts are pointing to different products. Meanwhile, display analyst Ross Young claims that Apple will enter the foldable market from 2026 to 2027, which only goes on to show that the final launch date is uncertain at this stage.
Currently, there are no concrete details available on whether the device will be an iPad or a Mac. However, Pu claims that the larger foldable iPad will be a hybrid of the two, running a new version of macOS with touch controls. Ming-Chi Kuo referred to the foldable device as a MacBook, while Gurman claimed it would be an iPad. It remains to be seen which direction the company heads in, which boils down to the type of operating system it will run. We will share additional details on Apple's larger iPad Fold, so be sure to keep an eye out.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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