Production problems: Foldable iPad with 18 inches in years to come?
After the iPhone foldable planned for 2026, Apple actually wanted to follow up with a foldable tablet. But that probably won't happen for now, until 2029.
A foldable (symbol image): Apple is extremely late – and it will likely be even later.
(Image: Shutterstock AI)
Apple apparently has production-related problems bringing its first foldable iPad to market. According to a report by the Finanznachrichtenagentur Bloomberg financial news agency, the device, which is supposed to display up to 18 inches when unfolded, is not expected to be released before 2029 – possibly even later. "Engineering challenges" in the areas of weight, functionality, and screen technology are preventing an earlier release. Apple is reportedly aiming for 2028 – although this date itself likely represents a delay. The hardware is expected to be very expensive at around 3.000 US dollars.
More hardware innovations sought
One of the suppliers is reportedly Samsung Display. This is also where iPhone screens have been coming from for a long time, as well as screens for Apple's first smartphone foldable, which is expected in the fall of 2026. Apple hopes for a foldable iPad panel that shows virtually no "crease" – this is also planned for the foldable iPhone. The iPad foldable is intended to be part of a product initiative that is supposed to bring Apple back to the forefront in terms of innovative hardware. This began this year with the very thin iPhone Air. Next year, the aforementioned iPhone foldable is planned, followed by an anniversary iPhone in 2027 made almost entirely of glass" with a curved screen.
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Informed circles report to Bloomberg that Apple is planning a similar approach to Huawei with its Matebook Fold, which, however, is only available in China. This is also a foldable tablet with 18 inches, which was introduced in May. The price is equivalent to 3.400 US dollars. It is reportedly 450 grams lighter than Apple's current prototype. The target weight is around 1.5 kg. This is approximately equivalent to a 14-inch MacBook Pro.
Concerns within Apple
Bloomberg further writes that it is even conceivable that the iPad foldable will not be released at all. The technical challenges and the proximity to the Huawei product could be possible reasons.
Apple is always ready to reconsider its decisions – projects can be canceled even after years of work if it becomes apparent that the business opportunity is no longer interesting. For example, the multi-billion dollar car project was scrapped after various strategy changes.
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