Apple's ambitious 18-inch foldable iPad project is facing significant development hurdles, raising doubts about its release timeline. The device, expected to retail for around $3,000, has been in the works for years, with a recent target launch date of 2028. However, engineering complexities, including weight, features, and display technology, have pushed its debut to 2029 or beyond, according to industry insiders. Apple is collaborating with Samsung Display to develop an approximately 18-inch panel, aiming to minimize creasing issues, similar to their approach for the upcoming foldable iPhone. This initiative is part of Apple's broader strategy to introduce groundbreaking devices, including the recently unveiled ultrathin $999 Air model and a range of new products like smart glasses and a tabletop robotic device. The foldable iPad, internally known as J312, lacks an external display and, when closed, resembles a Mac laptop with aluminum enclosures on both sides, unfolding to a size similar to a 13-inch laptop. However, the technology for an 18-inch foldable display has proven challenging and expensive, with estimated prices nearly three times higher than a 13-inch iPad Pro. Concerns also arise regarding the weight of current prototypes, which weigh approximately 3.5 pounds, comparable to a MacBook Pro, significantly heavier than the standard iPad Pro. Apple representatives declined to comment on these matters. The project's challenges and similarities to Huawei's MateBook Fold, an 18-inch foldable tablet, have raised doubts among stakeholders about the foldable iPad's realization. Apple's history of dedicating years to major projects and its willingness to discontinue initiatives deemed unviable or misaligned with strategic objectives, as seen with the autonomous car project and the lighter, more affordable Vision Pro headset variant, adds to the uncertainty. The future of Apple's iPad lineup, which debuted 15 years ago under Steve Jobs' leadership, hangs in the balance, with demand shifting towards Macs and revenue levels remaining lower than the 2021 peak. Apple's efforts to refresh the iPad Pro with the M5 chip and plans for new Air and entry-level models next year, albeit with minor enhancements, may not be enough to reignite consumer interest. The foldable iPad's success would demonstrate Apple's ability to compete in the growing foldable device sector, but its realization remains uncertain.
