Apple's 18.8-inch foldable might hit the market in 2027 and run macOS

Apple has reportedly accelerated its entry into the foldable device market with plans to introduce an 18.8-inch foldable iPad-MacBook hybrid device as early as 2027. According to analyst Jeff Pu (via MacRumors), the new device will be macOS-based, a radical departure from the current iPadOS ecosystem.

Initially expected to be released in 2028, the foldable device’s production is scheduled to commence towards the end of 2026 and is expected to be released in 2027.

Apple’s foldable will run macOS

Analyst Jeff Pu believes that the hybrid phone will operate on macOS, as this aligns with future updates in macOS 16 intended to enhance compatibility with touch-screen and foldable phones.

The foldable is also viewed as an uninterrupted combination of an iPad and a MacBook, with the consumer utilizing the best of both devices. This agrees with earlier reports that the foldable device from Apple would resemble two side-by-side iPad Pros but with a bigger screen area without any observable crease.

As competitors like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus have already entered the foldable phone market, Apple’s entry into this segment is exceptionally late. Hence, it has to be groundbreaking and bring something new to the table. Combining macOS into a foldable format could give a unique user experience, which might differentiate Apple’s products in the new market.