Apple is apparently continuing to work intensively on its first foldable tablet – but the road to market appears to be longer than planned. According to a recent report by Bloomberg, the company is struggling with several technical challenges that are significantly delaying the original schedule. Instead of 2028 as previously expected, the foldable iPad will now be released in 2029 at the earliest. Problems with weight, display technology and production costs are slowing down development. The foldable iPhone cannot keep to the schedule either.
- Foldable 18-inch OLED display in collaboration with Samsung Display
- Original market launch in 2028, now expected in 2029 at the earliest
- Weight of around 1.6 kg – similar in weight to a MacBook Pro 14″
- Estimated price: around 3,000 US dollars
Foldable iPad is becoming a technical challenge
According to Bloomberg, the project for a foldable iPad has been in development for several years. The aim is a device that has an 18-inch OLED display when unfolded. When closed, it is more reminiscent of a 13-inch notebook, as Apple is not planning an external display. Instead of two separate halves – as in classic laptops with a keyboard – a continuous panel is planned that will cover the entire inner surface.
For the display, Apple is working closely with Samsung Display to realize a particularly high-quality OLED technology with a minimal fold line. The aim: an almost invisible fold when opening and closing – similar to the planned foldable iPhone. However, this aspect in particular is currently proving to be a technical hurdle.
The overall weight is also a problem. At around 1.6 kilograms, the device would be as heavy as a MacBook Pro 14″, which could significantly limit its portability. For comparison: Huawei’s MateBook Fold weighs in at 1.16 kilograms with a similar display size.
Premium technology at a premium price
In addition to the complex mechanics, high production costs are one of the main reasons for the delay. Estimates assume a starting retail price of around 3,000 US dollars – around three times the price of a current iPad Pro 11″. This would take Apple to a price level that only a few manufacturers in the tablet segment have been able to achieve to date.
Despite the challenges, the device is considered one of the most ambitious projects in the company’s current hardware portfolio. It could establish a new product category between the iPad and MacBook and redefine the boundaries of classic mobile devices. Apple continues to strive for a unique balance of flexibility, performance and design – but whether this will be ready for the market by the end of the decade remains to be seen.
Looking to the future: iPad updates 2026 in focus
While the foldable iPad is still a long way off, Apple is already planning new iPad models for early 2026, according to industry sources. The iPad Air is set to receive the M4 chip for the first time, while the basic iPad will be equipped with Apple’s A18 chip. These updates should help to further strengthen the iPad range technologically before a completely new design concept is introduced.
Conclusion
The foldable 18-inch iPad remains an ambitious project for Apple, but its realization is likely to take at least until 2029. Complex display technology, weight restrictions and high production costs set tight limits. However, if Apple masters the challenges, the device could become a strategic turning point in the iPad series – as a mixture of notebook alternative and high-end tablet. Until then, users will probably have to make do with new models from the existing product line for the time being.
