Apple’s 18.8-Inch Foldable iPad Delayed

Fans eagerly awaiting Apple’s long-rumored, large-screen Foldable iPad may need to wait a few more years, as a new report suggests the device’s launch has been significantly delayed. Analyst Jeff Pu, who previously forecasted a 2026 launch, has now revised his prediction, aligning with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in targeting a 2028 release window.

The reported delay adds a new chapter to the device’s history of conflicting timelines. Initially, prominent analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and display expert Ross Young pointed to a late 2026 release. However, Gurman consistently maintained that the product was further out on Apple’s roadmap. Pu’s updated forecast, cited in an investment note seen by MacRumors, now lends significant weight to the 2028 timeline.

Foldable iPad rumor mill history

Rumors of the device first surfaced in 2022, sparking a debate about its form factor. While initial speculation was split on whether the device would be a foldable iPad or a MacBook with a foldable screen, the consensus among supply chain analysts has since coalesced around it being an 18.8-inch iPad.

Whenever it does arrive, the device is expected to function as an iPad, albeit one that Gurman suggests may be capable of running some Mac apps—a feature he anticipates will be standard for all iPads by that time. As of now, no official reason has been provided for the potential postponement.

While the prospect of an 18.8-inch foldable iPad remains an exciting one for Apple enthusiasts, the path to its launch appears to be longer than many had hoped. With a growing consensus now pointing toward 2028, patience will be a key virtue for anyone waiting to get their hands on Apple’s first large-format foldable device.