Rumors about next year’s iPhone Fold have increased of late, but not much has been leaked about Apple’s other big foldable device in the works. Now, despite some reports stating a later timeline, a new analyst note says the 18.8-inch iPad ‘Fold’ is on track for a 2026 release.
Apple plans to launch foldable iPhone and iPad in 2026, per Pu
Analyst Jeff Pu just published a research note seen by 9to5Mac where he shares his outlook for Apple’s next couple years.
One especially significant tidbit is that Pu highlights not one, but two Apple foldables on track to launch next year.
Both devices, per Pu, are forecast to start mass production in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Pu has said the same thing before, but that was all the way back in August. Since then, Mark Gurman at Bloomberg shared that the foldable would actually arrive much later.
Here’s Gurman writing in December:
Apple designers are developing something akin to a giant iPad that unfolds into the size of two iPad Pros side-by-side. The Cupertino, California-based company has been honing the product for a couple of years now and is aiming to bring something to market around 2028, I’m told.
2028 is obviously much later than Pu’s 2026 timeline, and would allow Apple to test the market’s reception to foldables with the iPhone Fold first.
9to5Mac’s Take
Typically, Pu’s research notes take into account a variety of factors, including reports from Gurman and supply chain sources.
So it’s curious that he has reiterated his belief we’ll see two foldables from Apple next year, not one.
It would be a bold move for the company to launch a foldable iPhone and iPad around the same time, and could make fall 2026 one of Apple’s most exciting product seasons yet.
For now, I’m cautiously optimistic and hope we hear more soon.
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