Apple's Foldable iPad: What we know so far

14th March, 2023 at 1:25 am by Flynn
Image credit: TechJuice

Apple is reportedly planning to launch an "all-new design foldable iPad" in 2024, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He says that the device will be made of carbon fiber material and be accompanied by a new kickstand. However, Kuo did not provide a specific time frame for the release of the foldable iPad. In a recent survey, Kuo took a "cautious approach" to iPad shipments for 2023, predicting a year-on-year decline of around 10-15%. He expects the 2024 foldable model to boost shipments and improve the product mix. Image credit: MacRumors This isn't the first time that there have been rumors of Apple planning to launch a foldable iPad. In October 2022, analysts at CCS Insight claimed that Apple plans to use a foldable iPad in 2024 as a practice run for foldable technology before adopting it on the iPhone. The analysts suggest that Apple will use a foldable iPad to test the market before entering the foldable smartphone market.

Apple is said to be testing a foldable iPad display that's around 20-inches in size, according to reliable display analyst Ross Young. Young expects the device to hit the market in 2026 or 2027. Apple is reportedly working with LG to create an ultra-thin cover glass that could be used on the company's foldable products.

In response to Kuo's prediction, Ross Young said that he is expecting multiple OLED iPads in 2024 but has heard nothing about a foldable iPad in the same year. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has also weighed in on Kuo's prediction, saying he has not heard anything about a foldable iPad in 2024, which he expects to be a year of OLED iPad Pro models and spec bumps for the entry-level iPad and iPad mini. Image credit: 9to5Mac Samsung executives have reportedly gossiped about Apple's foldable device plans in a meeting with suppliers, according to tech blog The Elec. The executives allegedly said that Apple will release its first foldable device in 2024, and that Apple's first foldable device will probably not be a smartphone but an iPad.

Apple's patent applications indicate that the company is taking an interest in foldable technology. In September 2022, the company was granted a patent that mentions "self-healing" technology for devices, such as foldable smartphones. According to Apple leakers, Apple has already begun testing top-secret prototypes.

Foldable devices have become increasingly popular in recent years, with companies like Samsung releasing multiple iterations of foldable devices. Apple is also said to be working with LG to create an ultra-thin cover glass that could be used on its foldable products. Although the exact form factor of a foldable iPad remains unclear, it is expected that the device will be a hybrid between an iPhone and an iPad.

However, most rumors suggest that Apple's first foldable device will be an iPad rather than an iPhone, as Apple is cautious about entering the foldable market. The idea is that Apple will test out the technology on its iPad range first and then roll it out to the iPhone later. The release of a foldable iPad is the latest in a long string of rumors about Apple's upcoming products, with patent applications suggesting that the company is interested in foldable technology. While Apple may seem late to the foldable device market, the company may be minimizing risk by letting competitors like Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi do the hard work.

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