An eagerly awaited 18-inch foldable iPad from Apple is reportedly facing significant development challenges, potentially pushing its launch timeline back considerably. The device, which promises to revolutionize the tablet market, could look remarkably like a Mac laptop when closed and expand to the size of a 13-inch MacBook Air when opened. This news comes amidst reports that more iPad models are expected to arrive on the market soon.
Next-Gen Foldable iPad Faces 2029 Launch Amid Engineering Hurdles
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple’s ambitions to introduce a foldable display iPad are encountering substantial engineering obstacles, indicating a potential delay beyond its initial 2028 target, possibly until 2029 or later. The primary reasons cited for this setback include difficulties in managing the device’s weight, refining its hardware features, and perfecting the innovative display technology.
This groundbreaking foldable iPad is anticipated to carry a premium price tag, estimated at around $3,000 (roughly Rs. 2,63,000). Sources quoted in the Bloomberg report reveal that Apple is actively collaborating with Samsung Display to develop the large, approximately 18-inch panel. A key innovation for this display is its ability to significantly reduce the noticeable crease commonly associated with foldable screens, a technology Apple intends to extend to its future foldable iPhone.
The internal prototype, known as J312, lacks an external display and features an elegant aluminum enclosure on both sides, giving it the appearance of a Mac laptop when folded. When fully open, the device is said to be comparable in size to a 13-inch laptop, offering a generous screen real estate.
The development of an 18-inch foldable iPad is proving to be both intricate and costly, with expenses potentially tripling those of the current 13-inch iPad Pro. This advanced foldable tablet is slated to feature cutting-edge OLED technology, promising more vibrant visuals and a remarkably thin form factor.
A significant concern for engineers revolves around the weight of the foldable iPad prototypes. Current models tip the scales at approximately 3.5 pounds (1.59 kg), aligning them more with a MacBook Pro than with existing iPad models, which typically range from 1 pound (0.45 kg) to 1.3 pounds (0.59 kg). This weight disparity is a major hurdle that Apple aims to overcome.
Comparisons are being drawn between Apple’s forthcoming foldable iPad and Huawei’s MateBook Fold, an 18-inch foldable tablet that debuted in the Chinese market in May. Huawei’s offering, while similarly sized, is reportedly a pound lighter than Apple’s prototypes and carries a price tag of about $3,400 (roughly Rs. 2,90,000). Apple’s strategic move into foldables aims to invigorate its iPad lineup, as consumer demand has seen a shift towards Mac computers, though a slight increase in iPad sales is still projected for the current year.
Having already introduced its ultra-slim iPhone Air model this year, Apple is also on track to launch its inaugural foldable phone in the coming year. Beyond these, the tech giant is reportedly exploring a range of innovative devices, from smart glasses to a unique tabletop robot device, hinting at a broader expansion of its product ecosystem.
In other news, new iPad models are anticipated to hit the market shortly. This includes a refreshed iPad Air powered by the M4 chip and a new entry-level iPad featuring the A18 processor, both expected early next year. Furthermore, the highly anticipated foldable iPhone is still slated for an announcement in 2026.
Ultimately, the successful introduction of both the foldable iPad and the forthcoming iPhone Fold could firmly establish Apple as a formidable player in the rapidly evolving foldable device segment, setting new benchmarks for innovation and user experience.