Apple’s venture into foldable technology has been a topic of intense speculation, with the company reportedly developing both a foldable iPhone and a foldable iPad. Recent reports indicate that the release of the foldable iPad, initially anticipated for 2028, has been postponed to 2029 due to significant engineering challenges.
Development Challenges and Delays
The foldable iPad project has encountered several technical hurdles. Apple is collaborating with Samsung Display to develop an 18-inch foldable screen, aiming to minimize creases—a common issue in foldable displays. However, the complexity and cost associated with this large screen have led to extended development timelines. The anticipated price point for the foldable iPad could approach $3,000, nearly three times the cost of the current 13-inch iPad Pro.
Weight is another concern. Prototypes of the foldable iPad weigh approximately 3.5 pounds, comparable to a MacBook Pro, and significantly heavier than the 1-pound iPad Pro. This weight issue is reminiscent of Huawei’s MateBook Fold, an 18-inch folding tablet weighing about a pound less than Apple’s prototypes and priced around $3,400.
Historical Context and Speculation
Rumors about a foldable iPad have circulated for years, supported by Apple’s patent filings for devices with hinged OLED screens and dual-screen configurations. In 2021, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple was exploring larger tablet sizes beyond 12.9 inches. However, in July 2025, it was claimed that Apple had paused progress on the foldable iPad to prioritize the development of the iPhone Fold.
Analyst Predictions and Market Expectations
Analyst Jeff Pu has been vocal about Apple’s foldable device plans. In April 2025, he predicted that both the iPhone Fold and an 18.8-inch iPad Fold would enter mass production in the fourth quarter of 2026, potentially leading to a release before the end of that year. However, this timeline has been met with skepticism. Other analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo and Ross Young, have suggested that a large-screen foldable device from Apple might not arrive until 2027 or later.
Supply Chain Insights and OLED Integration
Reports from Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) suggest that Apple plans to introduce an 8.5-inch OLED iPad mini in 2026, followed by OLED versions of the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air in 2027. An 18.8-inch foldable iPad Pro is anticipated for 2027. These developments indicate a gradual integration of OLED technology across Apple’s iPad lineup, potentially paving the way for future foldable models.
Conclusion
While the prospect of a foldable iPad is exciting, the journey to its release is fraught with technical and logistical challenges. Apple’s commitment to delivering a high-quality, user-friendly product means that consumers may have to wait until 2029 to see a foldable iPad on the market. In the meantime, the company continues to focus on refining its foldable iPhone, with a potential release in 2026.
