Apple Foldable iPad Production: Apple Prepares for the Next Big Leap
Apple has long resisted entering the foldable device market, but the Apple Foldable iPad might finally change that. Unlike early rumors of a foldable iPhone, the company appears to be prioritizing a foldable tablet instead. According to industry reports, production could start by late 2024, with a possible release in 2025.
This development positions Apple to compete directly with Samsung, which has dominated the foldable market for years. While Samsung, Motorola, Oppo, and OnePlus have all introduced foldable smartphones, Apple seems focused on exploring a different segment with its iPad lineup.
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Why Apple Chose an iPad Instead of a Foldable iPhone
According to DigiTimes supply chain sources, Apple is preparing suppliers for limited-scale production of the foldable iPad. Interestingly, the company may have deliberately chosen to start with a tablet instead of a phone. The reasoning is simple:
- iPadOS shares functionality with iOS, allowing Apple to experiment with foldable technology without redesigning the entire software ecosystem.
- Cost-effective design: Apple is reportedly working on a simpler, more affordable foldable structure compared to rivals.
- Market strategy: With iPhone sales stable but iPad shipments dropping (down by 10–15% in 2024, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo), the foldable iPad could revitalize tablet sales.
Apple Foldable iPad Features: What We Know So Far
While Apple has not officially submitted its foldable design, reports suggest several exciting features:
- Carbon-fiber kickstand for durability and portability (Kuo report, Jan 2024).
- Larger display experience compared to smartphones, targeting professionals and creatives.
- Early adoption of foldable tech on iPads before iPhones.
If accurate, the foldable iPad could be Apple’s biggest innovation in tablets since the first iPad launch in 2010.
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Foldable Tech Competition: Where Apple Stands
The global foldable market has grown rapidly. Samsung leads with its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series, while Motorola, Oppo, and OnePlus have also entered the foldable space. However, no major player has yet launched a foldable tablet at Apple’s scale.
This gives Apple an opportunity to differentiate itself while also testing consumer interest in larger foldable devices before considering a foldable iPhone.
For a deeper look at Samsung’s current lineup, check out Samsung’s official foldables.
Apple Foldable iPad Release Date: What to Expect
- Production Start: Late 2024 (small-scale).
- Possible Launch Window: Early-to-mid 2025.
- Market Strategy: Revive tablet sales and compete with foldable smartphones indirectly.
Though Apple is yet to make an official announcement, consistent supply chain reports suggest that 2025 could finally be the year of the Apple Foldable iPad.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s entry into the foldable market marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of tablets. The Apple Foldable iPad has the potential to redefine how consumers use tablets, blending productivity with portability.
As competitors refine foldable smartphones, Apple may once again set industry trends—this time with a foldable iPad that could reshape the future of computing.