Apple Develops 18-Inch Foldable iPad With Crease-Free Hinge as iPhone Ultra Eyes Fall Launch
Updated
Updated · MacRumors · May 19
Apple Develops 18-Inch Foldable iPad With Crease-Free Hinge as iPhone Ultra Eyes Fall Launch
6 articles · Updated · MacRumors · May 19
Bloomberg’s 2028 target for Apple’s large foldable iPad now looks likely to slip to 2029, even as development continues and the device is expected to share hinge technology with the foldable iPhone.
18-inch Samsung-made OLED prototypes still face weight and display hurdles: current units weigh about 3.5 pounds, fold shut without an outer screen, and open to roughly a 13-inch MacBook Air footprint.
Pricing is another obstacle, with the foldable iPad potentially reaching about $3,900 if component costs stay high—far above Apple’s $1,299 13-inch iPad Pro.
The nearer-term foldable product remains the rumored iPhone Ultra, expected this fall with a 5.5-inch outer display, 7.8-inch inner screen, thin design and a minimal-crease durable hinge.
With its iPad-like screen, is Apple's new foldable iPhone secretly designed to make its own iPad mini completely obsolete?
As engineering issues threaten its 2026 launch, will Apple's first foldable iPhone justify its staggering $2,000 price tag?
iPhone Ultra Foldable: Apple’s 2026 Game-Changer—Specs, Design, and Market Disruption
Overview
Apple is set to make a major move into the foldable smartphone market with the iPhone Ultra, expected to launch in September 2026. This device marks a generational leap for Apple, introducing a completely new design language that could redefine the premium smartphone experience, much like the iPhone X did in 2017. The iPhone Ultra will feature a large 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display, offering users both versatility and a polished, high-end feel. With this bold innovation, Apple aims to set a new standard for premium smartphones.