Apple foldable iPad may remain a lab experiment, report says
The foldable iPad has been in the spotlight since 2023, with rumours surfacing every now and then suggesting different launch timelines. Now, a fresh report once again hints at the device's possible arrival.
As foldable smartphones continue to gain traction, talk of a 20-inch foldable iPad has been doing the rounds for quite some time. The first rumours popped up back in 2023, and since then, the expected launch timeline has kept shifting — from 2024 to 2026, and later even to 2028 and 2029.
Now, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the foldable iPad might not launch at all. While the device was reportedly a priority for incoming Apple CEO John Ternus, Gurman says it could end up being “a wacky experiment that doesn’t see the light of day.”
Apple has neither confirmed nor denied the rumours surrounding the alleged foldable iPad. If it does arrive in the coming years, here’s what we can expect from the device.
iPad Foldable expected specs and features
Earlier reports suggested that the device could feature a large OLED display measuring close to 20 inches when unfolded, with a resolution likely at 4K or higher. When folded, the screen size may shrink to around 15.3 inches.
In terms of design, Apple is reportedly exploring ultra-thin glass technology in collaboration with display makers, aiming to reduce creasing — one of the biggest challenges in foldable devices. The company was also said to be testing under-display Face ID, which could eliminate the need for a visible notch. Gurman reported earlier that “front panel is too thin to accommodate the Face ID sensor array.” That means, rather than a Dynamic Island, Apple may place a small-hole punch camera.
The foldable iPad could come with a lightweight yet durable carbon fibre kickstand, improving usability for media consumption and productivity tasks. Some reports also hint at a hybrid approach, potentially blending elements of iPadOS and macOS to take advantage of the larger screen.
The device is also expected to feature dual rear cameras and could be priced at around $2,000 (around Rs 1,86,000).
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is testing electronic paper display (EPD) technology for its future foldable devices. The company may use colour EPD panels from E Ink, which are expected to be significantly more energy-efficient than conventional display technologies.