Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPad has been delayed and seemingly shelved to the point where it may never be released, according to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
While speaking with those in the know, Gurman reports that the 20-inch foldable iPhone may never “see the light of day.” Instead, the device that the newly appointed Apple CEO John Ternus has been helping to develop, “may end up being a wacky experiment.”
Last year, many credible reports surfaced about Apple’s first foldable iPad. At the time, it was claimed that the company was working with Samsung Display on an OLED panel capable of rendering a minimal crease. The device is said to offer a roughly 20-inch display, weigh around 3.5lbs and offer the same core experience as contemporary iPads.
It was reported that due to the technology going into the device, its size, and sheer power, the device would be priced around $3,000 USD (roughly $4,200 CAD). Early reports indicated that production wouldn’t begin until 2026. Mizuho Securities once suggested a potential release would arrive in 2027. However, later reports from Gurman indicated that plans shifted and the foldable iPad wouldn’t be released until 2029 or later.
Unfortunately, a report from DigiTimes later suggested Apple was shelving the project. Citing manufacturing challenges, high production costs associated with foldable display technology, and lukewarm consumer demand, Apple’s foldable iPad was thought to be no longer a priority.
As Ternus steps into the role of CEO later this year, in September, all eyes will be on him to see which products are greenlit. Apple has been on a strong trajectory, but with its awaited foldable iPhone slated to be shown this year, it raises the question of whether more foldables are on the horizon or if the company is awaiting consumer responses to a foldable iPhone before making the call to pursue a foldable iPad.