What's happened
Apple's foldable iPad, initially targeted for 2028, faces engineering hurdles related to weight, display tech, and features, pushing its release to 2029 or later. The device, developed with Samsung Display, aims to compete in the foldable market but remains complex and costly to produce.
What's behind the headline?
Apple's delay of the foldable iPad reflects the significant engineering challenges involved in creating large, lightweight foldable screens. The collaboration with Samsung Display indicates a reliance on advanced display technology, which remains costly and complex. The device's resemblance to Huawei's MateBook Fold suggests Apple is aiming to enter a niche market willing to pay premium prices, but the high costs and weight issues could limit mass adoption. This move signals Apple's cautious approach to foldables, prioritizing quality and innovation over speed to market. If successful, the foldable iPad could reinvigorate the company's tablet sales and challenge rivals, but the technical hurdles mean it will likely be a premium product with limited immediate impact on the broader market.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post reports that the foldable iPad's release has been pushed to 2029 due to engineering challenges, including weight and display technology issues. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman confirms the delay, citing ongoing technical hurdles and high costs, with initial aims for 2028 now extended. The article highlights the device's collaboration with Samsung Display and compares it to Huawei's MateBook Fold, emphasizing the complexity of developing a large, foldable screen that is both lightweight and affordable. The delay underscores Apple's cautious strategy in entering the foldable device market, focusing on quality and technological feasibility before launch. The Bloomberg piece also notes that Apple is exploring other innovative products, but the foldable iPad remains a high-cost, high-complexity project that will likely debut as a premium device in 2029 or later.
How we got here
Apple has been developing a foldable iPad for several years, aiming to innovate within its tablet lineup. The project, codenamed J312, is part of a broader push to introduce more advanced devices amid slowing iPad sales and increased competition from rivals like Samsung and Huawei. The device's development has faced challenges, especially with creating an 18-inch foldable display that is lightweight and cost-effective.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.