Apple's foldable ipad: a reality or a late entry?
Forget the hype surrounding the foldable iPhone – Apple might still be quietly pursuing a foldable iPad, and the latest whispers suggest it's drawing inspiration from the company's rumored iPhone Ultra. While the tech world anticipates the September iPhone reveal, a resurgence of details about Apple’s ambitious tablet project has reignited speculation.
Borrowing tech from the iphone ultra
According to a report from MacRumors, Apple is actively developing a large-format iPad capable of folding. Intriguingly, the device may leverage some of the hardware innovations slated for the iPhone Ultra, expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. This includes a potentially crease-free display thanks to a shared hinge design – a significant advancement in foldable Technology.
Launching such a device would effectively create a new market segment for oversized folding tablets, a space currently dominated by competitors. However, Apple’s journey hasn’t been without its bumps. Development was reportedly paused last summer due to unforeseen challenges, and the initial 2028 launch target has now been pushed back to 2029, a testament to the complexities of foldable engineering.
Samsung's role and a hybrid design
The project’s scope extends beyond Apple’s Cupertino labs. Samsung is rumored to be supplying an 18-inch display, blurring the lines between a tablet and a MacBook. The device, reportedly featuring an aluminum casing and lacking an external display, could resemble a 13-inch MacBook Air when unfolded – a fascinating hybrid concept. The potential for a device that seamlessly blends tablet functionality with laptop productivity is undeniably compelling.
But Apple isn’t entering a vacuum. Huawei’s MateBook Fold, boasting an 18-inch display that folds into a 13-inch form factor, has been on the market for over a year. The question isn't whether foldable tablets are viable, but whether Apple can deliver a truly differentiated experience.
Price point and the ultra premium tag
Considering the current $1,299 price tag on the 13-inch iPad Pro and the ongoing hardware cost pressures, a foldable iPad from Apple won’t be cheap. Expect a price tag that demands a truly premium experience, something exceeding even the “Ultra” designation. Whether consumers are willing to pay a significant premium for Apple’s take on the foldable tablet remains to be seen. The gamble is clear: can Apple justify the cost and convince users that a foldable iPad is more than just a novelty?