Apple is attempting to redefine the iPad by introducing an ultra-large foldable screen, but the project has encountered technical difficulties during development, potentially delaying its release.
According to people familiar with the matter, Apple has been planning this device, with a target price of approximately $3,000, for several years. Originally planned for a 2028 release, the device could be pushed back to 2029 or even later due to engineering challenges with weight, functional design, and display technology.
Apple is reportedly working with Samsung Display Co. on a roughly 18-inch foldable screen. This panel will minimize the crease common with current foldable screens, and this technology will also be used in Apple's foldable iPhone under development.
Unlike the upcoming foldable iPhone, the foldable iPad prototype, internally codenamed J312, does not include an external display. When closed, it resembles a Mac laptop, with aluminum alloy casing on both sides. When unfolded, it is approximately the size of a 13-inch laptop.
The technical process for developing an 18-inch foldable OLED display is incredibly complex and costly, resulting in an expected price tag nearly three times that of the current 13-inch iPad Pro.
The weight of the foldable iPad prototype was also a concern for engineers. Compared to the current iPad Pro's 1-1.3 pounds, the prototype weighs approximately 3.5 pounds, comparable to a MacBook Pro.
Since Steve Jobs first released the iPad 15 years ago, demand for the device has slowed in recent years, with some consumers turning to Mac computers. Although iPad sales are expected to resume growth this year, revenue will remain well below the peak reached in 2021.
The foldable iPad carries even higher market expectations. A successful launch would signal Apple's ability to compete head-on in the rapidly growing foldable device market. Competitors such as Samsung, Google, and Motorola have already launched such devices, and market feedback indicates that some consumers are willing to pay a premium for a device that combines a larger screen with portability.
However, given the multiple challenges facing the device, some involved in its development question whether it will ever see the light of day.
