iPhone Fold and Touch MacBook Could Kill the iPad Soon

• Apple may release an iPhone Fold and a touchscreen MacBook this year, blurring device categories.
• A foldable iPhone provides tablet-sized screens in a phone form factor; touch MacBooks cover casual tablet use on laptops.
• If shipped, these moves could cannibalize iPad sales but won’t immediately replace features like Apple Pencil and certain iPadOS apps.
• Watch software adjustments, pricing, and battery life—those will decide whether the iPad truly becomes unnecessary.

Why this matters

Apple consolidating features across iPhone and Mac hardware would reshape buying decisions for millions of users. A foldable iPhone and a touchscreen MacBook shift overlap toward devices that already sit in users’ pockets or laps.

For Apple, reducing product overlap can simplify the lineup and focus development resources—but it also risks alienating iPad buyers and third-party accessory markets.

How a foldable iPhone and touchscreen MacBook could replace the iPad

An iPhone Fold would give users a large, tablet-like display that still functions as a daily smartphone. That solves the portability trade-off many consumers accept with an iPad.

Meanwhile, a MacBook with touch could absorb light tablet tasks—browsing, media, and casual note-taking—without switching devices. Together they cover the primary use cases of an iPad: media consumption, light productivity, and casual creativity.

Practical caveats

Hardware alone isn’t enough. The iPad benefits from iPadOS, optimized apps, and Apple Pencil support—areas where phones and Macs differ. Developers would need to adapt apps for foldable displays and touch-optimized Mac workflows.

Price and battery life will be decisive. Foldable phones and premium MacBooks typically carry higher price tags, and battery endurance on thin devices can limit real-world tablet replacement.

What to watch this year

Look for official announcements or reliable supply-chain reports confirming release windows, features, and pricing. Pay attention to whether Apple brings Apple Pencil support to these new form factors and how macOS handles touch input.

If rumors are true, Apple’s product interplay could reduce the iPad’s necessity for many users—but not all. The iPad’s position will depend on software parity, accessories, and whether Apple wants to maintain a distinct tablet category.