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

Analyst Jeff Pu predicts that Apple's first two foldable devices will enter mass production in the second half of 2026 and launch in 2026 or 2027. The devices include a foldable iPhone with a 7.8-inch inner display and a larger foldable device with an 18.8-inch display. The larger device is described as a MacBook-iPad hybrid and is expected to run macOS, rather than iPadOS. This implies that the device could be a touch-screen Mac, which is a bold prediction. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has mentioned that Apple's design changes in iOS 19 and macOS 16 could lead to new hardware designs, including foldable devices and touch-screen Macs. However, there have been no rumors of a touch-screen Mac launching as early as next year, so skepticism is warranted. Pu's prediction is based on a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, which described the 18.8-inch device as "intended to serve as a laptop." Until more information is available, the possibility of a touch-screen Mac remains intriguing. The launch of foldable devices could mark a significant shift in Apple's product lineup. If the larger device does run macOS, it could blur the lines between laptops and tablets. The development of foldable devices is an exciting area of innovation, and Apple's entry into the market could have significant implications for the tech industry.