Apple’s ambitious plans for a foldable iPad are facing turbulence. According to Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter, the tech giant has run into major design and engineering challenges with its 18-inch foldable iPad, forcing a delay in the product’s release from 2028 to 2029 at the earliest.
This foldable iPad was envisioned as a groundbreaking addition to Apple’s lineup — a device that could bridge the gap between the iPad and the MacBook, and possibly redefine how users interact with large-screen tablets. But despite early optimism, Apple’s development teams are now grappling with issues that could determine whether this futuristic device ever reaches consumers.
According to Gurman, the current prototypes of the foldable iPad are too heavy, and the company is also facing issues with the ultra-advanced folding OLED display. As a result, even if Apple does finalize the design, the foldable iPad could cost more than $3,000, pricing it above most laptops and tablets on the market.
Interestingly, Apple isn’t the only one exploring this form factor. Huawei Technologies has already launched a similar 18-inch foldable device, reportedly selling it for around $3,400. However, Gurman notes that even with this reference point, Apple remains cautious. The company’s high standards and focus on design perfection mean it won’t release a product unless it feels truly ready — even if that means shelving it entirely.
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