New reports suggest Apple is developing a large foldable iPad using the same hinge technology expected to debut in its first foldable iPhone. Here is what the latest rumours indicate about both devices.

Apple’s foldable device plans are gradually becoming clearer, with recent reports pointing to a shared design approach across both a foldable iPhone and a much larger foldable iPad.

According to ongoing leaks, Apple is working on a hinge system designed to minimise or eliminate the visible crease. This technology is expected to appear first in a foldable iPhone, often referred to as the “iPhone Ultra”, before making its way into a larger tablet style device.

A single hinge design across devices

Reports suggest Apple is taking a unified approach to folding hardware by developing one advanced hinge system that can scale across products.

The hinge is expected to deliver:

• A significantly reduced or near invisible crease
• Improved durability over repeated folding
• A thinner overall device profile

If this approach proves successful in a smaller device like the iPhone, it would likely give Apple confidence to apply the same engineering to a much larger display.

Foldable iPhone expected first

The foldable iPhone is widely expected to arrive as part of Apple’s typical September iPhone release cycle, assuming development remains on track.

Current expectations include:

• Around a 5.5 inch display when closed
• Expanding to roughly 7.8 inches when unfolded
• A thinner design compared to existing foldables
• A focus on hinge quality and long term durability

This device would effectively act as Apple’s entry point into the foldable market, allowing the company to refine both hardware and software behaviour before scaling up.

Larger foldable iPad still in development

The foldable iPad remains further away and continues to face several technical challenges.

Reports indicate that Apple is still working through issues including:

• Overall weight, with early prototypes noticeably heavier than current iPad Pro models
• Display technology, particularly at larger sizes
• Practical usability without a physical keyboard

The device is believed to feature a large OLED display, potentially around 18 inches when fully unfolded. When closed, it may resemble a slim laptop style form factor with an aluminium exterior.

However, without a built in keyboard, questions remain about how users would comfortably type or use it in everyday scenarios.

A device that blurs the line between iPad and Mac

There is still some uncertainty around how this foldable device would be positioned.

Some descriptions suggest a foldable iPad, while others point to something closer to an all display MacBook. Either way, it would sit somewhere between the iPad and Mac, potentially introducing a new category rather than replacing an existing one.

This could appeal to creative or professional users, but only if the software experience evolves to support more flexible workflows across large, foldable screens.

Pricing and timing remain uncertain

Cost is expected to be a major factor. Large foldable OLED panels remain expensive, and early estimates suggest this type of device could sit at the very high end of Apple’s pricing.

While development is ongoing, the foldable iPad is not expected in the near term. Current reporting suggests it could still be several years away, depending on how quickly Apple can resolve weight, display, and usability concerns.

What it means for Apple’s product direction

Taken together, these rumours suggest Apple is taking a measured approach to foldables. Rather than launching multiple devices at once, the company appears focused on perfecting key technologies in a smaller form factor first.

If the foldable iPhone performs well, it will likely shape the direction, design, and timing of larger devices like a foldable iPad.

For now, both products remain unconfirmed, but the shared hinge design points to a longer term strategy that extends beyond a single device.