Apple’s long-rumored 18.8-inch foldable device, which many speculate could be a MacBook-iPad hybrid, may not meet its 2026 production target, according to new industry reports. While the iPhone 18 Fold is still on track for a late 2026 launch, the larger foldable device may not enter mass production until 2027, pushing its release even further.
This update comes from analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities, who recently issued a note analyzing Apple’s third-quarter earnings. Pu stated that there is “intact progress” on the smaller iPhone 18 Fold, suggesting steady development.
However, he also added that the larger 18.8-inch foldable device is “likely to be postponed,” though he did not specify the reason behind the delay.
The identity of this large foldable device remains unclear. Some analysts, including Jeff Pu and Ming-Chi Kuo, believe it could be a MacBook with a foldable touchscreen that runs macOS, making it part of the Mac lineup.
Others, such as Mark Gurman of Bloomberg and research firm Omdia, suggest it might be a foldable iPad running iPadOS.
The distinction could come down to the operating system Apple chooses; macOS would place the device in the Mac category, while iPadOS would align it with the iPad family.
Gurman has also mentioned that design efforts in iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe are laying the groundwork for more unified, touchscreen-compatible Apple devices, which hints at a possible hybrid.
While Pu’s report pushes the 18.8-inch foldable’s production beyond Q4 2026, other industry watchers offer different timelines. Ross Young expects a foldable tablet-like device to arrive in 2026 or 2027, whereas Gurman forecasts a 20-inch foldable iPad in 2028.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal earlier reported that Apple is experimenting with a 19-inch foldable MacBook.
These conflicting reports show that Apple’s plans for its larger foldable device are still evolving, and its final form factor and purpose remain uncertain.
In contrast, the book-style iPhone 18 Fold appears to be on a firmer development path. Multiple sources now agree on a 2026 release, making it Apple’s first commercially available foldable device.
