Apple has officially halted its development of a foldable iPad, a move that reshapes the landscape of large-screen portable computing. The cancellation removes a potential hybrid device that would have combined tablet and laptop functionalities into a single 18-to-20-inch screen. This decision leaves the premium foldable laptop segment without a major US tech competitor for the foreseeable future.
Omdia confirms Apple's internal foldable MacBook project is dead
The cancelled device was designed to function as a giant iPad when fully open and resemble a traditional laptop when folded in half. Research firm Omdia confirmed the project's termination, noting that the internal "foldable MacBook" initiative was actually the same product as the foldable iPad. Apple had previously targeted a 2026 launch date for this device before pushing the timeline back to 2028.
Huawei now stands as the only significant manufacturer offering a dedicated foldable laptop with the MateBook Fold Ultimate Design. This device features a 13-inch display when folded and expands to an 18-inch screen when opened. Huawei supports this hardware with over 2,700 core patents related to foldable screen layouts and hinge mechanisms.
Apple may reconsider its foldable strategy if its rumored foldable iPhone Ultra achieves strong commercial success in the market. The company previously treated the foldable iPad as a high-priority project led directly by CEO Tim Cook. Without a competitor in this specific form factor, Huawei maintains its position as the sole major player in the foldable PC track.
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