Steve Jobs’ famous ‘third device’ may not have much time left

When Steve Jobs first introduced the iPad, he called it “a third category of device.” One that would do certain things better than a laptop or smartphone. But what happens when foldable iPhones can operate as both smartphone and iPad equivalents? Does that “third device” disappear?

Justifying the iPad’s existence

Apple’s first foldable iPhone has been on my mind lately.

I’m especially excited by the idea of the ‘iPhone Fold’ offering iPad mini-like utility.

For years, I owned and loved the iPad mini. But a decade ago when I made the iPad Pro my full-time computer, I wasn’t keen on the idea of using two iPads, and the iPad mini fell out of my life.

My 13-inch M4 iPad Pro is basically a laptop though, since I keep it in the Magic Keyboard 24/7. So I don’t benefit from the ‘tablet’ part of the iPad very much.

As a result, there’s something I very much miss about my tiny iPad mini.

It kind of gets to Steve Jobs’ core proposition when he first introduced the iPad.

Back in 2010, on the heels of the iPhone’s early success, Jobs proposed that there was space for a “third category of device” that fits between the smartphone and laptop.

This device was the iPad.

Jobs demonstrated on stage how iPad was better than both the iPhone and Mac for certain tasks. For example, light web browsing, watching videos, and checking email.

He made a compelling case for the iPad’s existence, but it hung on this argument.

“If there’s going to be a third category of device, it’s going to have to be better at these kinds of tasks than a laptop or a smartphone, otherwise it has no reason for being.”

Over the years, many have questioned the iPad’s “reason for being.”

Some users, like myself, rely on it as their main computer. For others, it’s a casual device for entertainment and light tasks.

As iPhones have gotten larger, and Macs have gotten sleeker, the iPad has had to fight harder to set itself apart.

And soon, with foldable iPhones, that could become a much tougher battle.

iPhone Fold could soon start the clock on iPad’s end date

The iPad’s not going anywhere any time soon.

For starters, the first iPhone Fold will almost certainly be a niche device. Its ultra-premium price tag—which some expect to hit $2,000—will leave plenty of room for the $349 iPad to keep selling well.

But what happens five years from now?

If foldables prove successful, Apple will likely offer a lot more of them, and at much more appealing price points.

Next year’s iPhone Fold is expected to have a 5.5-inch outer display and 7.8-inch inner one.

This will make it moderately small compared to current iPhones when folded, and similar to an iPad mini when unfolded.

But history has repeatedly shown that users love big iPhones.

It wouldn’t surprise me to see several different foldable iPhones in a variety of sizes in the years ahead, replacing more of Apple’s current iPhone lineup, but also potentially its iPads.

Over time, the iPad may continue on as a niche, budget-friendly device. Or get its own ultra-premium, huge foldable version.

But for most people? I suspect the need for an iPad will disappear, as the product gets absorbed into foldable iPhones.

When Steve Jobs was around, that third category of device truly did have value. But with folding smartphones, the game could change.

I love the iPad, but we may soon enter the early stages of its logical end.

Do you think foldable iPhones will eventually cause the iPad to fade away? Let us know in the comments.

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