Apple’s Foldable 18-Inch iPad Faces
Engineering Delays, Launch Now Expected Post-2029
Engineering challenges tied to weight,
features and display technology push the new iPad’s potential debut to 2029 or
later, sources say
Apple’s
plans to launch a foldable iPad with an 18-inch OLED display have been delayed
to 2029 or later amid engineering and design challenges related
to weight, durability, and display performance, according to people
familiar with the matter.
The
device — internally codenamed J312 — is being developed with Samsung
Display and was initially targeted for release in 2028. Early
prototypes weigh around 3.5 pounds, comparable to a MacBook Pro, and
lack an external screen.
The
project, estimated to cost around US$3,000, aims to revive Apple’s
slowing iPad lineup and position the company in the premium foldable market
alongside rivals such as Huawei, Samsung, and Lenovo. Huawei’s MateBook Fold, a similar 18-inch foldable
tablet launched in May, reportedly inspired parts of Apple’s design approach.
Despite
years of work, sources said uncertainty remains about whether the foldable iPad
will ultimately reach the market — echoing past Apple cancellations such as the
autonomous car and Vision Pro N100 headset projects.
Apple’s
effort to reinvent the iPad by adding a giant foldable screen has hit
development hurdles, potentially delaying the planned launch.
The
Cupertino, California-based company has been working on the device – projected
to cost around US$3,000 – for several years and had most recently aimed for a
2028 release. But engineering challenges tied to weight, features and display
technology have pushed its potential debut to 2029 or later, according to
people familiar with the matter.
Apple
is working with Samsung Display to develop the roughly 18-inch panel for the
device, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the
work is not public. The screen minimises the crease seen on foldable displays,
matching an approach that Apple is also using with its planned foldable iPhone.
The
foldable iPad project is part of a broader push to bring more innovative
devices to market. Apple just introduced its first new handset design in years
– the ultrathin US$999 iPhone Air model – and is working on everything from
smart glasses to a tabletop robot device.
Unlike
the foldable iPhone, prototypes of the new tablet – internally code-named J312
– do not include an external display. When closed, the device resembles a Mac
laptop, with an aluminium enclosure on both sides. When opened, it is about the
size of a 13-inch laptop.
Apple’s
iPad Pro uses the organic light-emitting diode display technology, which can
produce deep blacks and punchier reds than the MiniLED
panels used in previous iPad Pro models. Photo: Ben Sin
Developing
the technology for an 18-inch foldable display has proven especially complex
and costly, pushing estimated prices to roughly triple that of a 13-inch iPad
Pro. Like that model, the foldable tablet would use the organic light-emitting
diode standard, which allows for more vibrant graphics and thinner displays.
Engineers
are also concerned about the weight of current foldable iPad prototypes. While
today’s iPad Pro ranges from about 1 to 1.3 pounds depending on size, test
units of the foldable product weigh around 3.5 pounds. That is roughly the same
as a MacBook Pro.
An
Apple representative declined to comment.
People
involved in the project said the device was similar to Huawei Technologies’ MateBook Fold, an 18-inch foldable tablet introduced by the
Shenzhen-based firm in May. That product weighs about a pound less than Apple’s
current prototypes and sells for roughly US$3,400, though it is only available
in China.
A
Huawei Technologies staffer shows the new MateBook
Fold at the company’s Shanghai flagship store on June 23, 2025. Photo: AFP
Apple
is looking to reinvigorate the iPad line-up, which was first introduced by
co-founder Steve Jobs 15 years ago. Demand has slowed in recent years, with
many shoppers gravitating to the Mac instead. Though iPad sales are set to grow
again this year, revenue remains well below a record set in 2021.
Apple
refreshed the iPad Pro last week with the M5 chip. There are also other new
iPads coming, including an updated iPad Air and low-end models early next year.
But those are expected to offer just minor tweaks.
The
iPad Air would gain the M4 processor, while the new basic iPad would move to
the A18 chip, according to people with knowledge of the plans.
Apple
co-founder Steve Jobs in an onstage demonstration of the first-generation iPad
at the launch event in San Francisco on January 27, 2010. Photo: Getty Images
The
foldable iPad is meant to make a bigger splash. If successful, it would show
that Apple can compete in the growing market for foldable devices.
Rivals
such as Samsung Electronics, Alphabet’s Google, Lenovo Group’s Motorola and
Huawei have already found that some consumers are willing to pay a premium for
foldable devices that deliver larger screens in more portable designs.
Still,
given the Apple tablet’s challenges – as well as its similarities to Huawei’s
product – some people involved in the effort are unsure whether it will ever
see the light of day.
Apple
frequently spends years developing major initiatives and has shown a
willingness to cancel projects it no longer views as strong business
opportunities or worthwhile uses of its resources.
The
most prominent example was the company’s autonomous car, a project that was
shut down last year. Just weeks ago, Apple shelved a cheaper and lighter
version of its Vision Pro headset – known internally as N100 – after years of
development, surprising staffers.