Apple’s Foldable iPad Prototype Reportedly Features an 18.8-inch Display

Highlights:

Apple is reportedly developing a foldable iPad with an 18.8-inch display.

The device is expected to feature an under-display Face ID system, a first for Apple.
Reports suggest the foldable iPad could launch in 2027.

Apple appears to be making significant progress toward launching its first foldable iPad, with new reports indicating that a prototype featuring an 18.8-inch display has been developed. This aligns with earlier speculations that Apple was working on a large foldable-screen device, though previous reports suggested screen sizes ranging from 20 to 20.3 inches.

Apple’s Foldable iPad: What to Expect

According to tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the upcoming foldable iPad is expected to feature an 18.8-inch flexible display, making it one of the largest screens Apple has ever introduced on a portable device.

Additionally, the leak suggests that the foldable iPad will incorporate a ‘metal-super structure lens’, a key component that connects the transmitter and receiver of a 3D facial recognition system. Unlike current iPads and iPhones, which house Face ID within a visible notch or bezel, this new system would be placed under the display, creating a seamless, all-screen design.

If accurate, this would mark a significant technological leap for Apple, setting a new standard for biometric security and display innovation.

Larger Than iPad Pro and MacBook Pro

An 18.8-inch display would make the foldable iPad larger than the 13-inch iPad Pro and even Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro, further blurring the lines between tablets and laptops.

Interestingly, this report aligns with a December 2024 analysis from Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), which suggested that Apple could launch an 18.8-inch foldable iPad Pro in 2027. Additionally, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in May 2024 that the company was considering using either an 18.8-inch or a 20.25-inch panel from LG Display for its first foldable iPad or MacBook.

Expected Cost and Manufacturing Challenges

Developing a foldable device of this scale presents unique challenges, particularly in reducing the appearance of creases along the fold. Reports suggest that Apple is actively working on a solution to minimize creasing, ensuring a premium foldable display experience.

According to industry sources, the display panel alone could cost between $600 – $650 (Rs 52,325 – Rs 56,686 approx.), while the hinge mechanism is estimated to add an additional $200 – $250 (Rs 17,438 – Rs 21,798 approx.) to the overall manufacturing cost.

Launch Timeline

While Apple has not officially confirmed its plans for a foldable iPad, multiple reports indicate that the device could debut in 2027. Given Apple’s focus on innovation and quality, the company is likely to take its time refining the technology before bringing it to market.

For now, the foldable iPad remains in the prototype stage, but as leaks continue to surface, more details about Apple’s first-ever foldable device could emerge in the near future.