Apple has chosen not to enter the foldable device sector for now: in Cupertino they are in no hurry, and prefer to carefully study the opportunity and the moment in which to adopt some technological solutions. However, a giant like Apple has certainly not remained with its hands in its pockets, and in recent years it has experimented on possible foldable iPhones and even iPads. To the point that, according to numerous rumors on the subject, the first foldable iPhone could arrive as early as 2026.
And until recently, a foldable device with a 20-inch display was also on the analysts’ roadmap, with a launch scheduled for 2027 or 2028 at the latest. According to the latest rumors, however, things could go differently, and the timing could be extended even further . Because yes, Apple is indeed working on a foldable iPad, but at the same time a very recent report from DigiTimes indicates that development is encountering significant difficulties , to the point that the company has decided to put it on hold .THE REASONS BEHIND THE STOP
The reasons for this abrupt stop revolve around three main points: prohibitive costs, engineering obstacles and doubts about real demand . Apple would have estimated a selling price “beyond all expectations”, even higher than its premium standards. A warning bell comes from the commercial flop of Vision Pro, demonstrating that even the most radical innovation fails if the price does not align perceived value and practical utility. Even the most loyal fans would have found this range inaccessible.
Tablets are already a niche market, and a foldable iPad would target an even smaller segment of professionals or early adopters. Added to this are critical technological problems: Apple refuses to compromise on quality, but eliminating the visible crease from flexible screens would require materials and processes so expensive that the final price would rise excessively, condemning the product to a very limited diffusion. Not to mention the durability of the hinges and the resistance to impacts, still far from the standards of traditional devices.
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The report explicitly links the decision to the disappointing performance of the space visor: a technically extraordinary product, but with a user base too small to support its price. A precedent that forced Apple to review its most ambitious plans. Even if apparently in Cupertino they have big plans for the near future related to the launch of visors and glasses .
DigiTimes points out that the project has been stopped, but not canceled . Apple could revive it if the cost of flexible screens collapses (thanks to suppliers like Samsung or LG) or if a convincing use case for foldable tablets emerges, which is currently absent.
