New and striking details continue to emerge regarding tech giant Apple’s long-anticipated entry into the foldable device market. While the first foldable iPhone is expected to launch in 2026, recent reports suggest the company may opt for a large-screen iPad, not an iPhone, as its first single-folding product.
A Foldable iPad is Coming Soon
However, the release date for this eighteen-inch foldable iPad is at risk of being delayed due to some challenges encountered during the development process. While Apple initially aimed to release the device in 2028, it’s reported that this date could shift to 2029 due to weight issues and display technology issues.
While there is considerable speculation about this large foldable device Apple is developing, there’s no definitive information yet on whether it will be positioned as an iPad or a Mac.
However, the device is expected to feature a massive eighteen-inch display manufactured by Samsung, a leading manufacturer in the industry. One of Apple’s most focused technical aspects of this product is minimizing the creases that often occur with foldable displays. The estimated cost of this innovative tablet could be quite high.
The foldable iPad, which is claimed to be three times more expensive than the current thirteen-inch iPad Pro, is rumored to have a price tag of up to $3,900 if component prices don’t drop, as the thirteen-inch iPad Pro currently sells for $1,300.
When closed, the device will reportedly resemble a keyboard-less Mac due to its aluminum chassis and lack of an external display. When fully opened, it will be the same size as a thirteen-inch MacBook Air, but without a physical keyboard.
Due to the larger screen size and use of an aluminum body, the prototypes weigh around 1.6 kilograms, meaning the foldable iPad will be significantly heavier than current iPad Pro models.
Meanwhile, the iPhone, expected to be Apple’s first foldable device, is likely to be released next year. The latest news about this model, which many sources think will be introduced with the iPhone 18 series, indicates that the launch may be postponed.
