Apple periodically unveils a bold new vision to reflect the future direction of computing. The recent attempt is undoubtedly the Vision Pro headset.

Apple envisions a scenario where consumers will perform most computing tasks in mixed reality (the fusion of virtual reality and augmented reality). At least at a theoretical level, the appeal of this concept is obvious. The Vision Pro and other mixed reality headsets provide users with unlimited screen space and a more immersive experience compared to phones or computers.

However, this concept also has several drawbacks, such as causing discomfort when worn for extended periods on the face, and making it easy for users to become disconnected from the real world. Furthermore, the Vision Pro's price of $3,499 means that only a few consumers can immediately embrace this experience.

Therefore, in terms of computing, it still struggles to surpass traditional devices like mobile phones, laptops, and tablets. However, Apple is exploring another path that may lead to its next breakthrough product.

Apple's design team is developing a device similar to a giant iPad, which, when unfolded, is roughly the size of two iPad Pros side by side. It is reported that this California-based company has spent several years developing this product and plans to launch it around 2028.

Apple's goal for foldable devices is to avoid the creases that currently appear when similar products are unfolded. The company has made progress: the prototype of the new product from Apple's industrial design team has nearly invisible creases. However, it is still too early to determine if Apple can completely eliminate creases. Samsung Electronics launched the first foldable phone five years ago, and to this day, the crease issue has yet to be resolved.

Currently, the largest size for an iPad is 13 inches. Apple understands that whether they are gamers, software developers, or ordinary users who enjoy watching movies, everyone desires a larger screen. Therefore, launching a nearly 20-inch large-screen mobile product, making it foldable is the only reasonable approach. Otherwise, it would be difficult to fit into a handbag or backpack.

Apple is not the first company to attempt this concept. As early as more than a decade ago, Microsoft tried to develop a similar concept product called Courier and launched a dual-screen tablet named Neo in 2019. However, both attempts ultimately fell through, and after canceling the Neo project, the company concluded that consumers were not enthusiastic about dual-screen tablets.

It is currently unclear what operating system this Apple computing device will be running; I speculate it will be iPadOS or a derivative version. It probably cannot be regarded as a true hybrid of iPad and Mac, but it may incorporate features from both. By 2028, iPadOS should be advanced enough to run macOS applications and is expected to support iPad accessories like the Apple Pencil.

From my observation, Apple's current research and development efforts on foldable screen technology are primarily focused on this high-end device, meanwhile, it is also exploring the possibility of a foldable iPhone. Currently, Apple is the only major smartphone manufacturer that has not launched a foldable phone: brands like Samsung, Google, and Huawei have their own foldable products. However, I anticipate that the release of a foldable iPhone will not be before 2026.

Last week, a document claiming to be Apple's display plan appeared on Social Media X. The document indicates that this iPhone manufacturer intends to utilize an 18.8-inch foldable screen between 2028 and 2030. This aligns with the information I have regarding Apple's foldable computing devices. The roadmap also shows that the MacBook Pro will switch to OLED screens in 2026, followed by the MacBook Air in 2027. This is also consistent with the information I have received.

Overall, Apple is committed to expanding as rich a range of hardware products as possible, aimed at guiding Consumers to purchase different devices based on various uses. Currently, Apple's ideal customer is a user who holds both an iPad and Mac, along with mobile devices like the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

This is also why Apple has never merged the iPad and Mac product lines: it hopes Consumers will buy both. Once this foldable product is launched, expecting users to purchase three different computing devices simultaneously seems unrealistic. Users are more likely to use the foldable product to replace the iPad for creative tasks and light computing work. The Mac (which may be equipped with a touchscreen) will still be the preferred choice for handling heavy workloads.

In Apple's ideal world, by the time this foldable product hits the market, the Vision Pro headset will be popularized. Augmented reality glasses will also complement the product line.

Thus, perhaps one day in the future, the image of an ultimate Apple fan will be like this: wearing an Apple Watch on the wrist, AR glasses on the nose, an iPhone in the pocket, a Mac on the desk, a foldable iPad in the backpack, and a Vision Pro on the coffee table.

Of course, everything still involves variables. Even with the launch of a foldable device, Apple faces daunting marketing challenges. As of now, the concept of foldables has not yet gained popularity beyond the core electronics enthusiast group, mainly because these products are expensive and somewhat cumbersome.

The key is whether Apple's more refined solutions can capture Consumer favor, after all, Vision Pro has not yet achieved this goal. If Apple succeeds, this device is expected to become the most exciting new product launched by the company in the 2020s. Editor/Chen Jiajing