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Apple delays the release of the foldable iPad / Depositphotos
Apple, a major tech firm, has encountered engineering challenges in the creation of a foldable iPad boasting a sizable 18-inch screen, potentially delaying the device’s anticipated debut from 2028 to 2029 or later.
Delo.ua reports this, referencing Bloomberg.
As per predictions, the cost of the new tablet will approximate $3,000.
The firm is collaborating with Samsung Display Co. to engineer an OLED panel that diminishes “creases” on the display, akin to the tech Apple intends to employ in its forthcoming foldable iPhone.
The novel iPad, internally dubbed J312, will lack an external display: when folded, it will resemble a MacBook, and when unfolded, its size will be comparable to that of a 13-inch laptop.
The development of a foldable 18-inch screen has proven to be both costly and intricate. Examination models tip the scales at around 1.6 kg, which is near the weight of a MacBook Pro and notably heavier than the existing iPad Pro (0.5–0.6 kg). This is prompting concerns amongst engineers regarding ease of use and transportability.
Apple aims to revitalize its 15-year-old iPad product line and stimulate demand that has declined in recent times as users transition to Macs. In the prior week, Apple unveiled a revamped iPad Pro equipped with an M5 chip, and fresh iPad Air versions (with an M4 chip) and the basic iPad (with an A18 chip) featuring slight modifications are anticipated in the early part of 2026.
According to informants, the foldable iPad is envisioned to be a leading product and demonstrate Apple’s capability to contend in the burgeoning foldable device sector, where Samsung, Google, Motorola, and Huawei already have a presence. The Chinese MateBook Fold, showcasing a similar 18-inch display, possesses a marginally lower weight and is priced at approximately $3,400, yet it is solely procurable in China.
The foldable iPad is engineered to present a more expansive display within a more easily carried form, addressing consumer desire for cutting-edge and superior tablets.
As a reminder, Apple recently presented the updated iPad Air and iPad Pro series with a 13-inch dimension in May 2024.
