iPad Fold: Apple's expensive future project with an 18-inch display

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The iPad Fold is supposed to mark the next major step in Apple's device development. However, it looks like the project will be significantly delayed. A Bloomberg report suggests that the first foldable iPad won't be released in 2028 as planned, but will likely arrive in 2029. This is due to technical difficulties and high production costs. The device is expected to have an 18-inch display and be up to three times as expensive as the current 13-inch iPad Pro.

Apple has been working on foldable devices for some time, but the company is notoriously cautious in its approach. Before a product goes on sale, quality, design, and technology must be perfectly aligned. With the iPad Fold, this process doesn't seem to be complete yet. Issues with weight, display technology, and folding mechanics are slowing development. Nevertheless, interest remains high, as Apple is apparently planning a device that blends tablet and laptop.

Developmental problems and delay

The iPad Fold was originally planned for launch in 2028. Now, all indications point to a launch in 2029. According to Bloomberg , Apple is struggling to reduce the device's weight and reliably implement the delicate folding technology of its large OLED screen. The display is said to be from Samsung and will measure 18 inches. Apple is placing particular emphasis on making the fold in the screen as unobtrusive as possible – a point where many other manufacturers have so far failed.

The first prototypes show that the weight is currently around 3.5 pounds, or about 1.6 kilograms. This would make the iPad Fold significantly heavier than a 13-inch iPad Pro, which could quickly become impractical for everyday use. The aluminum casing, intended to provide stability, also contributes to the weight.

Design between iPad and MacBook

When closed, the iPad Fold strongly resembles a MacBook. It has an aluminum casing but no external display. When unfolded, the screen size is roughly equivalent to a 13-inch MacBook Air. A physical keyboard isn't planned; Apple is likely to opt for an on-screen keyboard or an optional accessory instead. This would blur the line between tablet and laptop even more than previous iPad models.

The concept is reminiscent of the Huawei MateBook Fold, which is already available and also offers an 18-inch folding tablet. This device costs around $3,400—an indication of how expensive the new technology is. So Apple is likely to be in a similar price range, if not higher.

Price and market position

Apple currently charges $1,299 for the 13-inch iPad Pro. Industry experts estimate that the foldable iPad could be up to three times as expensive. If production costs remain unchanged in the coming years, the price could be around $3,900. That would be an unusually high starting price even for Apple, but it demonstrates that the iPad Fold is clearly intended as a premium product.

The large, foldable OLED display is the most expensive component of the device. Because this technology is still in its infancy, manufacturing costs are significantly higher than for traditional displays. If Apple succeeds in lowering component prices, the iPad Fold could become more affordable in the long run. However, at launch, it will remain primarily a product for enthusiasts and early adopters.

Future of foldable Apple devices

The iPad Fold is unlikely to be the only device of its kind. Apple is also reportedly working on a foldable iPhone, which could possibly be released as part of the iPhone 18 series. Whether the device will actually be unveiled next year remains unclear, however. Timelines have reportedly shifted here as well. Apple appears to be planning to launch foldable products only when the technology meets its high quality standards.

The strategy is typical for Apple: prefer a later launch but offer a mature product. If the iPad Fold does indeed launch in 2029, it is likely to be a device that stands out significantly from the competition, both technically and visually.

iPad Fold: More vision than mass product

The iPad Fold remains one of the most exciting projects in Apple's product pipeline. With an 18-inch foldable iPad, the company aims to demonstrate how the boundaries between tablet and laptop can be further blurred. However, the development is complex, the technology expensive, and the challenges are significant. With an expected price of up to $3,900 and a market launch in 2029 at the earliest, the iPad Fold won't be a mass product, but rather a statement for the future of mobile computing. Apple is thus focusing on evolution rather than revolution – but anyone familiar with the company's history knows that this is often precisely what makes the difference in the long run. (Image: Shutterstock / NYC Russ)