Apple’s 18.8-Inch Foldable Mac Expected for Mass Production in 2027 as Amazon Aims to Introduce Competing Device

Apple is poised to enter the foldable device market as early as next year with its highly anticipated iPhone Fold. While specific details remain scarce, industry insights suggest that the tech giant’s ambitions extend well beyond conventional smartphones. Notably, there are plans for a significant 18.8-inch foldable device, which could either be an innovative Mac or an iPad, depending on the operating system it runs. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicates that mass production for this ambitious device might kick off between late 2027 and 2028.

Intense Competition Forecasted for Apple’s 18.8-inch Foldable Device

According to Ming-Chi Kuo’s latest update on X, Apple may face formidable competition in the run-up to the launch of its 18.8-inch foldable. The anticipated mass production is scheduled for the latter half of 2027 or into 2028. Meanwhile, other companies are making significant strides in this emerging market. For instance, Huawei has recently unveiled its MateBook Fold, a device that closely mirrors the design anticipated for Apple’s large tablet.

The implications for Apple’s entry into this market are significant, especially as it seems the company is trailing its competitors in the timeline. Huawei’s MateBook Fold is expected to hit the market soon, which could attract even more competitors to the foldable space. Kuo further reveals that Amazon is also developing a similar device, stating, “My research indicates that Amazon is also internally developing a similar product, which has not yet officially kicked off.”

Apple’s competitors in the large-sized foldable device market may not be limited to Huawei. My research indicates that Amazon is also internally developing a similar product, which has not yet officially kicked off. If development progresses as planned, it is projected to enter…

— Ming-Chi Kuo (@mingchikuo) May 20, 2025

Kuo elaborates that Amazon plans to commence mass production of its own 18-inch tablet around late 2026 to 2027, placing its timeline nearly a year ahead of Apple’s. This competitive timeline highlights the rapidly evolving market, with multiple players preparing to launch large foldable devices before Apple’s anticipated introduction of its hybrid tablet—a device with a 13-inch display when opened or used as a laptop and a larger display in tablet mode.

In addition to the foldable tablet, Apple is also exploring a foldable iPhone, which features a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal screen—projected to compete directly with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. At present, it remains unclear whether Apple is developing a clamshell version of the foldable iPhone; eager fans will have to wait for official announcements. This new foldable device is set to be revealed next year, coinciding with the 20th-anniversary iPhone, which is also rumored to feature a significant redesign. Stay tuned for ongoing updates as we track these developments closely.

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