Apple is developing some exciting models, particularly when it comes to foldables. Rumours over a potential iPhone fold have been making rounds for months. Now, it seems that the Cupertino giant will also add a foldable iPad to the mix. However, according to Bloomberg, the rumoured iPad fold, codenamed J312, is already oncourse to be delayed.
As per the report, Apple is working with Samsung Display to get a massive 18-inch foldable OLED panel for the iPad fold. Samsung already provides displays for most Apple devices. According to insiders, the screen will have a minimal crease when the device is unfolded.
Why is iPad fold delayed?
Apple is seemingly facing challenges when it comes to the price. The report states that the panel might cost Apple three times that of the 13-inch iPad. This will make it difficult for Apple to keep the device within the $3,000 price target.
Additionally, engineers are reportedly concerned about the weight of the iPad fold. The test units are in the range of 3.5 pounds (or 1.5kg), much heavier than the iPad Pro, which weighs around 1 pound (or 444g). The weight of the demo units is actually quite similar to the MacBook Pro. This would make it hard for users to hold the device for long durations.
Moreover, the test units do not have an outer display. Thus, anyone using the iPad fold will need to unfold the device to use it each time. The outer panels are made from aluminium, giving the device the look of a closed laptop when folded.
Apple was planning to launch the iPad fold by 2028. However, these issues have forced the company to postpone the release to 2029 or later. This report comes just days after the iPhone fold was reportedly delayed by a year due to hardware issues.
Apple wants to join the foldable device race
Apple is the last big tech company to not have a single foldable yet. Samsung was the first to launch a foldable phone in 2019 with the Galaxy Fold. Since then, Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, have all released foldables.
Huawei already has a triple-folding phone, the Mate XTs, and a foldable tablet akin to the iPad fold in its lineup. The Huawei foldable tablet is called the MateBook Fold and has an 18-inch inner display. It is priced at 23,999 Yuan (roughly Rs 2,95,000).
As per the report, Apple hopes to prove that it can compete in this new market of foldables. However, the challenges over the iPad fold have increased uncertainty about whether the company will actually launch the device.
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