Apple’s ambitions for foldable devices seem to have encountered obstacles. The tech giant is reportedly working on an 18-inch foldable iPad, but its launch may be postponed due to design and cost issues. A Bloomberg report reveals that the foldable iPad, codenamed J312, is being developed in collaboration with Samsung Display, which is responsible for creating the large OLED panel. Although Samsung already provides most of Apple’s displays, this new panel introduces significant challenges. The foldable OLED screen must feature a minimal crease when unfolded, adhering to Apple’s high-quality standards. The primary reason for the delay appears to be pricing.
The report indicates that the 18-inch OLED panel costs nearly three times the amount of the display used in the current 13-inch iPad. This substantial price gap complicates Apple’s ability to meet its internal target of $3,000 for the foldable device. Additionally, engineers are facing issues related to weight. The current prototype reportedly weighs about 3.5 pounds (1.5 kilograms), comparable to a MacBook Pro, which is considerably heavier than the iPad Pro, weighing approximately 1 pound (444 grams). Such weight could hinder the foldable iPad’s portability and make it uncomfortable for prolonged use. Furthermore, the test units do not include an outer display, necessitating users to unfold the device each time they wish to utilize it.
The outer shell is made of aluminum, giving it a more laptop-like appearance when closed. The launch timeline has been adjusted; Apple initially planned to release the foldable iPad by 2028, but due to the current challenges—especially concerning cost, weight, and usability—the launch has been postponed to 2029 or later. This delay follows a similar setback for the foldable iPhone, which Bloomberg has reported has also been delayed by a year due to hardware issues. If launched, the foldable iPad would represent Apple’s first venture into the foldable device market, a sector already led by competitors such as Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, and OnePlus.
Samsung pioneered this market in 2019 with its Galaxy Fold, while Huawei has advanced with products like the Mate XTs and MateBook Fold, the latter of which features a similar 18-inch display. Despite these hurdles, Apple is determined to demonstrate its capability to deliver a foldable device that aligns with its stringent quality expectations. Nevertheless, insiders suggest that uncertainty about the foldable iPad’s feasibility may mean consumers will have to wait several more years for Apple’s version of the foldable tablet to materialize.