Foldable MacBook-iPad Hybrid Device Likely to Run macOS, Analyst Says

[MacRumors]

Yesterday, analyst Jeff Pu said Apple's first two foldable devices will enter mass production in the second half of 2026. Today, he provided some additional details about these devices, which are expected to launch in 2026 or 2027.

In a research note with investment firm GF Securities, Pu said the two devices will include a foldable iPhone with a 7.8-inch inner display, along with a larger foldable device with an 18.8-inch display. He described the larger foldable as a MacBook-iPad hybrid, and he believes that the device will likely run macOS, rather than iPadOS.

This is a very bold prediction, as it implies that the 18.8-inch foldable device could end up being a touch-screen Mac. In his Power On newsletter over the weekend, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple's rumored design changes coming with iOS 19 and macOS 16 should set the stage for new hardware designs, including "foldable devices and touch-screen Macs." However, there have not been any rumors indicating that a touch-screen Mac will launch as early as next year, so some skepticism is warranted for the time being.

Pu does cite a recent report from The Wall Street Journal as the basis for some of his foldable information, so it is possible that his macOS prediction is simply based on that report having said that the 18.8-inch device is "intended to serve as a laptop." But, until we hear otherwise, we can dream about the intriguing possibility of a touch-screen Mac.

Article Link: Foldable MacBook-iPad Hybrid Device Likely to Run macOS, Analyst Says

 

[Yourbigpalal83]

ok...can someone explain this to me. Is this Ipad fold...is it like a phone bookstyle foldable or a laptop foldable? Like will it be closed just a normal ipad but then you open it its a bigger ipad? Im still confused on the format of this device...

Cause if its just a tablet that folds close into a laptop...whats the use of that?

 

[KurtWilde]

Okay, now I want it.

 

[It’s always something]

I guess I would have to see a three to five year old foldable without screen damage at the crease before I would believe they can pull that off. 🤷‍♂️ 🧐

 

[subjonas]

Touch is whatever. I want PEN!

But I also need high performance and active cooling for my Mac applications. So this might not be for me either way, at least not as a main work device. 🙁

 

[BGPL]

MacOS wouldn't make much sense. is it a mobile device or a laptop computer? MacOS with a touchscreen and no mouse? Just seems like a very small laptop now.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

If true (and it’s not Gurman, soo there will be two SKU’s, one that runs macOS and one that runs iPadOS. The iPad SKU will have the same locked down nature as the current iPad and the Mac one won’t. For example, making an audio/video recording of the screen will still take extra software on the Mac.

 

[rishiomedia]

Having MacOS and iPadOS in one device is not a dream, it’s a nightmare. Needing to switch back and forth between two different UI paradigms to complete tasks is not at all what I want. I’d prefer to just stay in and maintain one system - and for me, that’s iPadOS. Merging them would be schizophrenia and prevent iPadOS from advancing. Nevertheless, I have no worries because Apple won’t let this happen.

 

[Crickster]

How would one type on this without looking at the keys?

 

[chars1ub0w]

macOS is a dream. iPadOS is more likely. But why can't it run both, let the user choose which one?

 

[WarmWinterHat]

How would one type on this without looking at the keys?

That's the kicker for me with large touchscreen keyboards. I never look at the keyboard when typing.

I also routinely use the number pad, but that's a different complaint..

 

[AppleFeller]

oh yay Apple is turning into Samsung 😒

 

[rp2011]

I'm picturing running my Apple pencil across the screen ..till, whoah, I hit the crease, and the pencil goes flying. Then, the foldable goes flying after it.

 

[johnsawyercjs]

He described the larger foldable as a MacBook-iPad hybrid, and he believes that the device will likely run macOS, rather than iPadOS.​

Remember the recent rumors that the upcoming iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 will have a more unified user interface?

 

[johnsawyercjs]

Not sure how many people will be able to learn to type on a glass keyboard at nearly the same speed or with the same accuracy as on mechanical keyboards.

 

[cgharper]

I think I'll wait as well until I see a foldable without screen damage. R&D probably better spent on other things.

 

[asiga]

The choice of the OS is the only thing they got right. The gadget, they’d better discard it and design a new Mac instead.

 

[jecowa]

How would one type on this without looking at the keys?

Very poorly

 

[jz0309]

This iPad/Mac foldable seems quite questionable to me, would have to see it before really judging it

 

[Attirex]

MR is about five hours away from providing 24hr news/rumors coverage.

 

[0049190]

I would rather see a 15” iPad with a much better iPad OS so Mac and iPad apps have the same functionality.

 

[anshuvorty]

Is the iPad finally getting macOS through this device?!??!? If so, then....FINALLY!!!!

 

[LarTeROn]

They have to explain how it doesn't cannibalise sales, otherwise it's just clickbait.

 

[Xaositek]

I'd rather have "macOS Dex" than this - the iPhone already runs the core BSD of macOS - just allow me to plug my phone into a monitor and have macOS!

 

[Gix1k]

Focus on making Siri smarter before you go after foldables.