Apple’s Giant Foldable Device May Feature Under-Display Face ID

Rumors about Apple’s entry into the foldable market have been circulating for years, but a new leak suggests that the company is making significant progress. According to Digital Chat Station, Apple is developing an 18.8-inch foldable device that features under-display Face ID for seamless 3D facial recognition.

A Foldable iPad Pro in the Works?

The leak, posted on Weibo, claims that Apple has an engineering prototype of a foldable iPad Pro with an 18.8-inch display. This aligns with earlier reports about Apple's foldable plans. The prototype is said to incorporate a metal metamaterial lens, allowing Face ID’s sensors to be hidden beneath the display. If true, this would mark a major design shift, eliminating the need for a notch or Dynamic Island.

MacBook or iPad? Apple’s Foldable Strategy

Apple has reportedly been exploring foldable displays in the 18- to 20-inch range for some time. Last year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned that Apple was working on an 18.8-inch foldable MacBook, after previously considering a larger 20.25-inch version. However, that project has allegedly been delayed until 2027 or 2028.

Meanwhile, Mark Gurman has reported that Apple is focusing on a foldable iPad, with an expected launch also in 2028. One of the company’s key challenges is minimizing the display crease—a common issue with foldable screens.

What’s Next?

With multiple reports pointing to an 18.8-inch foldable form factor, Apple seems to be refining a specific design. However, it remains unclear whether the device will be part of the iPad lineup or the MacBook lineup. A foldable iPad would push the boundaries of portable creativity, while a foldable MacBook could redefine the laptop experience.

While there’s no official word from Apple, these leaks suggest that a foldable Apple device is inevitable—just not anytime soon. If the current timeline holds, we might not see Apple’s first foldable until 2028, but when it does arrive, it could set a new standard for foldable technology.