Apple's Foldable iPad Pro Prototype Features Under-Display Face ID

[MacRumors]

Previous rumors have suggested Apple is working on a foldable iPad Pro, and a new rumor today claims that one of Apple's prototypes for the device features under-display Face ID technology.

According to Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station, one of Apple's engineering prototypes features an 18.8-inch foldable screen with a "metal superstructure lens" that integrates the receiver and transmitter components of Face ID for under-display facial recognition. The leaker provided no other information.

There have been several rumors suggesting that a foldable ‌iPad‌ or MacBook is in the works. Previous rumors have been unclear on whether the upcoming foldable device will be an ‌iPad‌ or a Mac, but either is feasible depending on what operating system Apple opts to go with.

As for under-display Face ID, it has been rumored for future iPhones for several years, but has so far failed to materialize. Today's rumor is the first to mention under-display Face ID in the context of Apple's foldable plans.

According to analyst firm Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), Apple is planning to launch an 18.8-inch foldable iPad Pro with an OLED display in 2027. Separately, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed LG aims to begin mass production of display panels for a MacBook with a 20.2-inch or an 18.8-inch foldable screen in the fourth quarter of 2025.

A December report by The Wall Street Journal has also claimed that Apple is working on a larger foldable device that's "intended to serve as a laptop" and that would unfold to be about 19 inches in size.

In addition, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has also spoken of a foldable ‌iPad in development‌, suggesting that the "giant" tablet would launch in 2028. According to Gurman, Apple does not want the upcoming foldable device to have a crease, instead appearing as a single piece of glass.

Apple is also said to be working on a book-style foldable iPhone with a crease-free display for release late next year. Rather than feature Face ID, the foldable iPhone will reportedly integrate Touch ID into a side button, similar to recent iPad Air and iPad mini models, due to internal space constraints.

Article Link: Apple's Foldable iPad Pro Prototype Features Under-Display Face ID

 

[Fuzzball84]

Foldable have still not really taken off. I even know a few people who moved back to regular phones after having a foldable. They are just not that great, and it’s an extra mechanical weak point in the design.

 

[BFskinnerPunk]

A good development. For me, I seek something the size of an iPad Mini or a bit smaller that, then, unfolds. Basically, something that is usable on-the-go for doing work without having to carry a computer bag of any kind. (pocketable iPad)

 

[TwoBytes]

I wonder where the division will be for buying folding iPads or full blown MacBooks or iPhones which expand to iPadOS

 

[fantasyname_qwertz]

I guess the have LOTS of prototypes with such features, the question is when it will be implemented at an affordable price for customers.

 

[Cervisia]

I don't see the use case for it except being a giant external display for macbooks with that on-screen keyboard.

 

[DrJR]

iPadOS will finally be unleashed into its full glory!

 

[wdfly]

no, just no.

 

[Digital Dude]

The new G-Fold to be released later this year may reveal the direction Apple will take. 🧐

 

[MRSugarD]

If Apple sees potential in such foldable devices, maybe they can turn out to be an attractive package - a very expensive one that's for sure.

 

[DrJR]

A good development. For me, I seek something the size of an iPad Mini or a bit smaller that, then, unfolds. Basically, something that is usable on-the-go for doing work without having to carry a computer bag of any kind. (pocketable iPad)

My wishlist includes a folding watch.

 

[Beta]

If its not running macOS, whats the point? The people that use iPads as iPads need them flat.

 

[F23]

a foldable iPad is more appealing to me than a foldable iPhone, hurry up Timothy save your legacy

 

[Kiwamu]

Still in the market for a foldable myself, but not a book or big device getting bigger. I want a device getting more or less smaller by folding it, similar to the Z FLIP series by Samsung.

 

[BBCWatcher]

Y'all can beta test this single fold iPad for me and Apple. I'm not buying anything until the iPad Air Fold² (2nd Generation). My iPad will fold twice, by thirds.

 

[nfl46]

Looking forward to this in a couple of years. At least they are taking their time to get it right.

 

[ForkHandles]

Nope! I just don’t get it.
If you need this, you need a laptop

 

[SpanishAppleNerd]

More interested in the iPhone 20 Pro Max vs iPhone Flip conundrum tbh

 

[iZac]

I wonder if there is some remarkable new screen technology that is being developed to withstand scratchy fingernails and stylus input?

If not, I doubt this would be marketed as an iPad Pro - if it can't use the Apple pencil?

 

[Plutonius]

I can see the reasons for a foldable iPhone since they are getting so large but not a foldable iPad.

I think that this might be a proof of concept by Apple researchers and not a product that they plan on selling.

 

[rp2011]

What are they doing to my beloved iPad Pro? Besides sounding like an abomination, it sounds like it will be more expensive and easy to break. Did they recently hire folks from an Android company?

 

[Ctrlos]

Riddle me this: what advantage does a foldable iPad over a dual-screen device? I get why you'd want your phone to turn into an iPad Mini for all sorts of reasons but nobody is buying one for an 18" web browser; the device practically screams 'multiple windows' at that size.

 

[Dadcelo]

Still in the market for a foldable myself, but not a book or big device getting bigger. I want a device getting more or less smaller by folding it, similar to the Z FLIP series by Samsung.

I have a Razr+ and I love it! The outside display is crazy useful. I find myself using the phone folded more often then not.

 

[Reverend Benny]

iPadOS will finally be unleashed into its full glory!

Yes, or maybe we'll see a step "back" again and that iOS and iPadOS will merge into a new "OS". When the phone is "closed" it looks and behaves like iOS and open its iPadOS.

I always thought it was a bit odd split them up since they are so similar.

Edit: Come to think of it, what I am suggesting is more viable when it comes to smaller devices, 18", even if folded, would be a quite large phone.

 

[Mr_Ed]

Beyond a certain size, I am not willing to put up with a screen-based keyboard. I hate typing on a screen but in devices like phones and tablets, it’s a tradeoff I can make for the sake of portability. But the device(s) described in this rumor are beyond that. The prospect of a “giant tablet” (as the post notes), roughly the size of a small laptop, but without a physical keyboard to enhance productivity offers little to get excited about, IMO.