After years of speculation, Apple is poised to announce its inaugural foldable iPad by the close of 2024, as reported by Taiwan-based outlet Digitimes, cited by MacRumors. The Cupertino tech giant, known for its innovation, has reportedly been refining the design over a four-year period and aims to commence mass production by the end of 2024.
According to the paywalled report, Apple has been in talks with display suppliers Samsung Display (SDC) and LG Display (LGD) to source panels for the foldable tablet. One major concern for Apple has been addressing the issue of panel crease, a challenge its partners are reportedly overcoming through innovative mechanical designs. Although the final design remains unconfirmed, Apple is pushing forward with plans for a foldable tablet.
Digitimes suggests that the decision to unveil a foldable iPad ahead of a foldable iPhone is strategic. Given that iPads constitute a smaller portion of Apple’s overall sales, any potential challenges or hiccups may be more manageable for the company, with a comparatively lesser impact than if such issues were to arise with the immensely popular iPhone.
Rumors surrounding Apple’s venture into foldable devices have circulated for over a year. Speculation in October 2022 hinted at a 2024 release for the foldable iPad. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo supported this timeline, although Apple tipster Mark Gurman, a Bloomberg reporter, contradicted this, emphasizing the company’s focus on other upgrades, such as an OLED display for the iPad Pro.
As the tech world eagerly awaits the revelation of Apple’s foldable iPad, the company’s strategic approach to introducing this innovative device hints at a careful balance between technological advancement and risk management. With ongoing advancements in display technology and the potential for a groundbreaking design, the unveiling of Apple’s foldable iPad in late 2024 promises to be a significant moment in the evolution of portable devices.
