Is Apple Changing the Game with a New Giant Foldable Device? Here's What We Know About the 20-Inch Innovation Set for 2028

Apple is known for pushing the boundaries of technology and design, consistently leading the industry with innovations that blend aesthetics with functionality. Recently, Bloomberg's esteemed tech journalist Mark Gurman shed light on Apple’s ambitious project, a game-changing 20-inch foldable device, which could potentially transform our understanding of portable computing by 2028.

The Evolution of Foldable Technology

Foldable technology has captivated the tech world for years, promising the flexibility of a tablet with the convenience of a smartphone. However, the journey has been fraught with challenges, particularly the persistent issue of the crease that forms where the screen folds. Apple, however, is set to overcome this hurdle. According to Gurman in his "Power On" newsletter, Apple has nearly perfected the crease issue, making it "nearly invisible." While it's not completely eliminated yet, the trajectory suggests a smooth, seamless display could well be within reach by the time of the launch.

This device isn’t just another foldable tablet; it's likened to having two iPad Pros side by side. When unfolded, this colossal screen would transform into a large digital canvas, while folding it would offer a more compact, portable form. This design philosophy signals a significant shift in how future devices might balance large-screen utility with portability.

Redefining the Computer

Apple's exploration into foldable technology also represents a deeper redefinition of what constitutes a computer. This device blurs the lines even further between a MacBook and an iPad. Featuring a hinged OLED display, it promises the dual functionality of a notebook and a tablet, with the lower display potentially serving as a virtual keyboard and trackpad, and the upper display as the primary screen.

What makes this development particularly interesting is Apple's choice of operating system. Gurman suggests that unlike its MacBook cousins, this hybrid device will not run on macOS but will instead be powered by iPadOS. This choice indicates a strategic direction from Apple, leveraging the robustness of iPadOS, which could potentially run macOS apps by 2028 due to the increasing power capabilities of Apple’s M-series chips.

Future of Apple's Portable Devices

While the spotlight is on the massive foldable device, it's impossible not to wonder about the prospects of a foldable iPhone. Gurman hints at its development, though he predicts it won’t hit the market until 2026 at the earliest. This timeline suggests that Apple is ensuring every aspect of its foldable technology is refined before introducing it to its flagship smartphone line.

Apple’s approach to redefining technology—through powerful software capabilities and groundbreaking hardware designs—remains unwavering. As we look towards 2028, the potential unveiling of this 20-inch foldable device not only excites in terms of technological innovation but also promises to redefine the landscape of portable computing, merging the power of a MacBook with the versatility of an iPad in one seamless device. The tech community and consumers alike are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see how Apple will once again reshape the digital world.