Apple’s 18.8-Inch Foldable Expected by End of Next Year

Key Takeaways

1. Apple is developing two foldable devices: a 7.8-inch foldable iPhone and an 18.8-inch foldable MacBook-iPad hybrid.
2. Mass production for these devices is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
3. The first foldable device could be unveiled by late 2026 or early 2027, earlier than previously anticipated.
4. The larger foldable device may run macOS with a touch interface, marking a potential first for macOS devices.
5. There is conflicting speculation about the launch dates, with some analysts suggesting 2028 for the larger device, while others expect a 2026 or 2027 release.

Apple is reportedly developing two foldable devices: a foldable iPhone and a larger one that could either be a MacBook or an iPad. Numerous leaks and rumors have suggested details about the specifications and expected release dates for these products. Initially, the larger foldable was anticipated to launch in 2028; however, an industry analyst has indicated that it might actually debut as early as late 2026 or the beginning of 2027.

Development Progress

According to Macrumors, which quotes Jeff Pu, the lead analyst from GF Securities, progress on these foldable devices is moving along well. They are projected to begin mass production in the fourth quarter of 2026. The devices include an 18.8-inch foldable MacBook-iPad hybrid and a 7.8-inch foldable iPhone. These statements align with Pu’s earlier assertions that they would enter the New Product Introduction (NPI) stage at Foxconn.

Possible Launch Dates

If the information proves to be correct, Apple might unveil its first foldable device by the end of 2026 or early 2027. The 7.8-inch foldable iPhone was already expected to hit this timeframe, while the larger device was initially thought to be arriving in 2028, as suggested by other analysts in the industry.

Speculation on Specifications

Details regarding the 18.8-inch foldable are somewhat unclear, but Pu believes it will function as a MacBook-iPad hybrid running macOS with a touch interface. If this is accurate, it would be the first touchscreen device to operate on macOS. Conversely, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman thinks this larger foldable will be an iPad and insists it won’t launch until 2028, dismissing any notions of a 2026 or 2027 release.

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