Apple Prepping 7-8 inch Foldable to Replace iPad Mini in 2026

Apple seemed to have been taking a step back from the small tablet segment, launching iPad Minis more rarely than usual. Now they plan on replacing such small tablets with a foldable. Solid sources are talking about a 2026 debut.

Sources from the industry in Korea say that the first Apple foldable device could arrive in 2026 or 2027. It could be around 7-8 inches in diagonal and thus it could replace the iPad Mini in the Apple portofolio. After all, devices like the Huawei Mate Xs and Galaxy Z Fold models are excellent iPad Mini replacements. Apple has yet to finalize the format of the product and we do know they’re also testing a new generation of iPad Mini with an OLED screen.

The Cupertino giant is also preparing to produce OLED screens for the iPad Pro models meant to debut this year. An OLED iPad Mini would come in 2025. Both Samsung Display and LG Display have provided sample foldable screen panels, in the 6 inch and 7 inch range. Apple could wait a bit more and go bigger. Apple could place orders with Samsung Display first, seeing how experienced it is in the field.

LG Display could be just a backup. Later, around 2028 Apple could launch a 20.25 inch foldable product, either within the iPad series or the Mac one. A foldable tablet has long been rumored for both Samsung and Apple.