Apple plans to launch two new devices this year that could reshape the tablet market. The iPhone Ultra will be the first foldable iPhone, shrinking into a pocket‑sized shape and expanding into a mini‑iPad‑like form factor for creative professionals worldwide. The rumored MacBook Ultra aims to add a touchscreen to the high‑end MacBook Pro line.

These releases arrive as the iPad, now 16 years old, faces mounting pressure from Apple's own ecosystem. Foldable phones that gain traction could prompt Apple to release larger variants, eroding the tablet’s unique niche. Introducing touchscreens to Macs removes a key advantage that has kept the iPad dominant among portable computing options.

Current users who rely on the iPad Pro for daily work may find the new hardware options compelling enough to shift their workflows. The iPad’s future as a mainstream device hinges on whether Apple can innovate beyond its current form. If the tablet fails to evolve, it risks becoming a niche tool rather than a ubiquitous platform.

Apple’s strategy suggests a gradual cannibalization of the iPad through complementary products. If foldable iPhones and touchscreen Macs succeed, the company could phase out the tablet’s distinct value proposition. The coming years will reveal whether Apple’s ecosystem integration can sustain the iPad or push it into a specialized role.