an iPhone Fold smartphone expected to debut in 2026, alongside an iPhone Flip clamshell said to arrive in 2028, and a foldable iPad that could be introduced as early as 2029. This timeline may seem unusual to those closely following Apple rumors, but it aligns with claims from two distinct reports this week. Initially, Kim Ki-hyun, director of the market research company Stone Partners, shared insights at the ETNews Tech Summit in Korea and mentioned that the foldable tablet had been postponed until after 2029. While Kim did not disclose many specifics about the gadget, he noted that the foldable iPad would incorporate an LTPO+ OLED display. Following this, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman provided a report indicating that the launch of the foldable iPad had been pushed to 2029, attributing this to development obstacles faced by Apple.
In early September, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, recognized for his accurate forecasts regarding unreleased Apple devices, mentioned that the foldable iPad might see a release in 2028. Gurman indicated that Apple’s latest plan targeted a 2028 launch, but this is now deemed unachievable. The company has encountered various engineering difficulties related to the device’s weight, display technology, and additional features. The tablet-laptop hybrid is expected to debut in 2029 or later, provided Apple does not decide to abandon the project. Bloomberg also highlights that some individuals connected to the initiative are uncertain about the eventual release of the foldable iPad. Apple has a history of discontinuing products that no longer seem viable, as evident with the Apple Car and the more affordable, lightweight Vision Pro.
