When Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPad, he pitched it as a third device between iPhone and Mac. Sixteen years later, the tablet has proven him right. But two new Apple products launching this year could change the equation.
iPhone Ultra: A foldable challenger to iPad Mini
The iPhone Ultra will be Apple's first foldable. When folded, it's pocket-sized; when unfolded, it offers a screen similar to the iPad Mini. Although initially a niche product for early adopters, the rise of foldables could reduce the need for a separate tablet for many users. Over time, prices will drop and larger models will arrive, encroaching on iPad's market.
MacBook Ultra: Touch comes to the Mac
The MacBook Ultra is the rumored name for the redesigned MacBook Pro with a touchscreen. For the first time, Apple brings touch to macOS, a feature previously exclusive to the iPad. The convergence between Mac and iPad intensifies, and users who rely on an iPad as their main computer might find the MacBook Ultra a more powerful alternative. Apple has already updated iOS 27 requiring 2TB iCloud+ for Apple Intelligence Home features, signaling an increasingly integrated ecosystem.
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An identity crisis for Apple's tablet
Many users, including this writer, have used the iPad Pro as a primary computer for years. But the arrival of iPhone Ultra and MacBook Ultra could create overlap. If foldables take off, the iPad risks becoming a niche product, while touch Macs steal its key advantage. In five years, the iPad's trajectory could shift dramatically.
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What Apple must do to keep the iPad relevant
Apple needs to evolve the iPad in surprising ways to stay competitive. According to Wikipedia, the iPad has gone through several phases, but now clear differentiation is needed. It could focus on exclusive features like enhanced Stage Manager or pro apps. Sam Altman proposed a 5% stake in OpenAI to the US, but for Apple the challenge is internal: keeping the iPad unique.
The iPad's future is uncertain, but Apple's next moves will be decisive. Users await news to see if the tablet remains a pillar or becomes a niche product.
