When it comes to foldables, one can say that Apple is pretty late to the party, though not for a lack of trying. The bitten fruit brand is reportedly looking to launch its first foldable iPhone soonish, but a smartphone is not the only folding device in the works right now. Rumours of a foldable iPad stretch back to 2019. That said, we may not be seeing this foldable iPad anytime soon, as it may only debut in 2029 or later.
According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple had been aiming to launch the device in 2028. However, the tech giant has apparently delayed its release due to engineering issues. Internally codenamed J312, the device will feature an 18-inch display, which is being developed by Samsung Display. As with the foldable iPhone, Apple is looking to eliminate the crease on the screen.
Creating a large flexible OLED display is both complex and costly. As such, the resulting device could end up with a pretty hefty price tag. Currently, the estimated prices are around three times that of a 13-inch iPad Pro. For reference, the newly launched M4 model retails for RM5,799.
Display woes aside, the foldable iPad has another problem: weight. As it stands, the current prototypes are about three times heavier than existing iPad Pro models. This is due to the large screen and aluminium exterior. The device apparently looks like a Mac when folded, and resembles a 13-inch laptop when opened. The Bloomberg report also drew a comparison to the Huawei MateBook Fold, although the Chinese product isn’t quite as heavy.
As for the foldable iPhone, rumours suggest that Apple is looking to release it alongside the iPhone 18 lineup next year. However, recent reports hint at a potential delay in its launch as well, possibly to 2027.
