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Apple has long been at the forefront of innovation, and recent leaks suggest that the company is preparing to push the boundaries even further. Multiple sources have reported that Apple is working on an 18.8-inch foldable device, which could potentially revolutionize its lineup of tablets and laptops. Leakers and analysts are now speculating about whether this device will be an iPad Pro or a MacBook, with intriguing details emerging about its design and technology, including Face ID integration under the display. Here’s what we know so far.
Summary:
Apple’s exploration into the foldable device market is growing more tangible with each passing day. The company has reportedly been working on an 18.8-inch folding display, though the intended device—whether an iPad or MacBook—remains uncertain. Analysts such as Ross Young and Ming-Chi Kuo have cited the potential for a 20.x-inch folding display, which would mark a shift in Apple’s product category.
Initially, there were claims that Apple’s foldable device would be a MacBook with a large, foldable screen that could also serve as a full-size monitor when unfolded. This idea was supported by Kuo, who suggested that the device would feature a 20.3-inch display. However, recent reports, including those from Young, now point to an 18.8-inch screen, which Apple is likely to round to 18.76 inches.
The latest rumors come from the leaker Digital Chat Station, who claims that Apple has a prototype with Face ID embedded beneath the display. This would allow the device to integrate under-screen 3D face recognition technology, a major advancement in user authentication. These developments align with Apple’s patented technologies, further suggesting that the company has made significant strides in solving the technical challenges related to such a foldable device.
The ongoing mystery lies in whether this foldable display will be used in a MacBook or an iPad. While a foldable display with no physical keyboard would seem like an obvious fit for the iPad, there are also whispers of a hybrid device that could seamlessly run both macOS and iPadOS. Nevertheless, Apple has not confirmed any details, leaving much of the speculation up in the air.
What Undercode Says: A New Type of Device on the Horizon?
The of a foldable device from Apple represents a significant shift in how we might interact with technology in the near future. If the device turns out to be an iPad, it could pave the way for a completely new tablet experience—one that offers more flexibility and perhaps even replaces the need for traditional laptops. The 18.8-inch display size is ideal for users seeking a more immersive screen without carrying around a bulky device.
However, if Apple is leaning toward a MacBook, the implications are even more exciting. A MacBook with a foldable, all-display interface would mark a dramatic departure from the company’s longstanding reliance on physical keyboards and trackpads. There’s no doubt that the development of such a device comes with major challenges, particularly in terms of making the keyboard functionality comfortable and effective. Apple has long been experimenting with virtual keyboards, and a foldable display could allow for new possibilities, such as an adjustable keyboard that appears only when needed.
The addition of Face ID beneath the display adds another layer of excitement, as it would introduce an even more seamless authentication process. As a result, users could unlock their device by simply glancing at the screen, a major convenience boost for a device that may not even have physical buttons. Given Apple’s track record with Face ID, it’s likely that they’ve solved the technical hurdles to make this work, even in the context of a foldable screen.
From a design perspective, Apple may be looking to combine the best aspects of its iPad and MacBook into a single device. This hybrid approach could offer unprecedented flexibility, allowing users to switch between tablet mode for entertainment and creative work, and laptop mode for productivity tasks. However, this would require a complete overhaul of the current iPad and MacBook experiences, which have largely remained separate. The challenges of building a device that can effectively run both macOS and iPadOS should not be underestimated, especially given the different nature of each operating system.
It’s also worth considering the broader implications of this foldable technology. If Apple succeeds in creating a truly functional foldable device, it could spark a new trend across the tech industry. Other companies would likely follow suit, looking to incorporate foldable screens into their products to compete with Apple’s innovative designs. However, the path to success is not easy, and there are numerous obstacles that Apple must overcome before this device can reach the market.
Fact-Checker Results:
- The leak about the 18.8-inch foldable screen is consistent with previous reports and patents from Apple.
- The Face ID integration under the display is plausible, as Apple has patents that cover this technology.
- While speculation about whether the device will be an iPad or MacBook remains, the 18.8-inch size and foldable design suggest it is more likely to be an iPad, though a hybrid model is still a possibility.
References:
Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/10/18-8-inch-foldable-ipad-or-macbook-prototype-has-in-display-face-id-says-leaker
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