The long-awaited "foldable era" for Apple is no longer a distant dream. As we move further into 2026, industry insiders and supply chain analysts (including the reliable Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu) are confirming that Apple has shifted gears. The company is reportedly nearing mass production for its most ambitious project yet: a massive 18.8-inch foldable device that blurs the lines between an iPad and a MacBook.
A New Category of Device:
This isn't just a "folding iPad." Internally referred to as a hybrid, the device features a continuous touch-sensitive display that, when folded, acts like a 13-inch laptop with a virtual keyboard, and when fully opened, transforms into a giant 18.8-inch creative canvas.
Key Technical Insights:
The M5/M6 Powerhouse: Sources suggest the hybrid will be powered by the next generation of Apple Silicon, likely an M5 Pro or even an early M6 chip, to handle the heavy lifting of running macOS-style multitasking on a foldable screen.
Crease-Free Technology: Apple’s main delay was perfecting the screen. Rumors from CES 2026 indicate that Apple is using a new "self-healing" polymer layer to ensure the display remains perfectly smooth, even after years of folding.
Dual OS Capability? The big mystery remains the software. Will it run a specialized "iPadOS Fold" or a touch-optimized version of macOS? Most leakers point towards a unified system that adapts based on the fold angle.
Pricing and Availability:
Don't expect this to be budget-friendly. Early estimates put the price tag between $2,500 and $3,000, positioning it as a "Vision Pro" level premium product for professionals and early adopters. Mass production is expected to hit full swing by late 2026, with a potential launch window in early 2027.
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