Apple is taking a bold step into the foldable device market with plans to release an 18.8-inch creaseless iPad by 2028, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The company's industrial design group has successfully created prototypes of this device, which would essentially be like "two iPad Pros side-by-side" with a "nearly invisible crease".

This news comes after years of rumors surrounding a folding iPad, with recent reports suggesting a smaller model could be released in 2026 or 2027. However, Gurman's latest information hints at a more ambitious project, echoing his 2022 report of a 20-inch folding "iPad/MacBook hybrid". While it's unclear whether this device will run macOS, Gurman claims it will have elements of both Macs and iPads, and iPadOS should be advanced enough to run macOS apps by 2028.

The potential implications of this device are significant. If iPadOS can run macOS apps, it could greatly enhance the value proposition of the device, especially considering the 13-inch iPad Pro's starting price of $1,299. The ability to run macOS apps on an iPad could make the financial burden of a larger device more palatable.

Gurman also confirmed that a foldable iPhone is still in the works, although it's not expected to be released before 2026 at the earliest. Additionally, his sources' information aligns with an alleged Apple internal display roadmap, which suggests the company plans to release OLED MacBook Pros in 2026, followed by a MacBook Air OLED update in 2027.

The foldable device market is still in its early stages, but Apple's entry into this space could be a game-changer. With its reputation for innovative design and user experience, Apple's foldable iPad could set a new standard for the industry. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what's possible with its devices, it will be exciting to see how this technology develops and what implications it may have for the future of personal computing.

While 2028 may seem like a distant release date, it's clear that Apple is committed to making a significant impact in the foldable device market. With its sights set on creating a device that combines the best of both worlds, Apple is poised to revolutionize the way we interact with our devices. As more information becomes available, it will be interesting to see how this technology evolves and what it means for the future of Apple's product lineup.