IHS Markit believes Apple could follow suit with a foldable device after Microsoft's expected move to a foldable Surface.

The market researcher also sees Apple doing a foldable design for an iPad iOS-based device.

"We think Apple will follow [a] similar Microsoft concept to develop the foldable device with iPad OS and Apple A series processors," said Jeff Lin, Associate Director, Consumer Electronics at IHS Markit. Lin added that the device could be "MacBook display size and that it was for on-the-go" meaning it will be pegged to iOS. It could also possibly have 5G, Lin said.

However, do not expect an Apple foldable device anytime "soon". Apple will first have to solve 5G iPhone development issue for its 2020 new iPhone first.

Samsung is getting ready to deliver its Galaxy Fold and Huawei is expected to ship the foldable Mate X this fall.