Reliable leaks say that Apple is currently working on a foldable device with a 20-inch touch screen. Fans are getting excited because this might be the first-ever iPad/MacBook hybrid.
For reference, the Apple MacBook is a laptop whereas the iPad is a tablet. A hybrid combination of these two might imply a seamless 20-inch screen that folds like a notebook in the center!
A 20-inch 'iPad/MacBook Hybrid'
According to 9to5mac, the first report on the subject was made by Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) analyst Ross Young. He might have used his connections with Apple suppliers to investigate the incoming device. Young also happens to be the CEO of DSCC.
Young said, "We hear there is interest at the largest size yet (Apple Display) around 20.x." He further explained that "This size could create a new category for Apple and would result in a true dual use product, a notebook with a full-size keyboard when folded and for use as a monitor when not folded and used with an external keyboard."
Based on these speculations, the iPad/MacBook hybrid might feature three forms.
The first form is a fully opened 20-inch display, which could be used as a gigantic tablet or with a complementary external keyboard. The second is a half-folded state that resembles a laptop. Lastly, the hybrid can be a fully folded screen which might cut its physical image size to 10 inches.
Ideally, the 20-inch display will allow UHD/4K resolution or higher due to its size.
The Dual-screen Foldable 'MacBook/iPad Hybrid'
Bloomberg writer and Apple tracker Mark Gurman recently corroborated this leak. He emphasized that the incoming MacBook/iPad hybrid might be used with half of its screen acting as a virtual keyboard.
Gurman said, "It would trade in the physical keyboard and trackpad for a fully touch-screen base." This implies that the incoming Apple device might be similar to the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold.
YouTuber MrMobile [Michael Fisher] shared a video review of the device, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. A key takeaway from the review is that the folding device could be extremely handy because users can enjoy a full-screen display while also having the option to go to fold mode whenever they work in cramped spaces.
However, one big issue is the unique OS running on the device. The unique foldable display forces apps and web browsers to adapt to the one-of-a-kind interface.
It is exciting to see how Apple and its MacOS will overcome this issue.
'iPad/MacBook Hybrid' Release Date
Unfortunately for fans, sources say that the anticipated device will not be released anytime soon. Since the projected time frame is later than 2025, the device could come out in 2026 or 2027.
Gurman noted that this iPad/MacBook hybrid might be released at around the same time with the Apple car and Apple AR glasses. Fans are advised to wait for more updates about these gadgets.
