iPad Fold: Huge display, uncertain future

Foldable devices are no longer a niche topic, yet Apple is taking its time. While many rumors revolve around an iPhone Fold, an iPad Fold also keeps surfacing. Now there are renewed indications that Apple is working on a particularly large foldable iPad. The catch: If it comes at all, it will be very late, or perhaps not at all.

The Bloomberg newsletter "Power On" confirms earlier claims that Apple is planning a foldable iPad. At the same time, the report also addresses other rumors suggesting the project has been delayed until 2029. What's new, however, is the tone: it explicitly states that the device may never be released.

Apple is working on the iPad Fold, but the timeline keeps getting pushed back

With the iPad Fold, one thing remains constant: the release date keeps getting pushed back. According to the new report, development is so problematic that a release no earlier than the late 2020s seems realistic. 2029 is mentioned as a possible target date.

Development with problems: Design and everyday usability as a hindrance

The report reiterates that the development of the iPad Fold is facing difficulties. It cites design problems related to basic practicality, such as how to type effectively on it. These issues are said to have at least delayed the project.

At the same time, it's possible that these problems are insurmountable. In that case, not only would a further delay be possible, but also a complete halt to the project by Apple.

How big will the device really be? "Gigantic" and Mac-sized

The current report doesn't specify exact dimensions. However, earlier reports mentioned a diagonal screen size of 18 inches. Now, the main point is that the device is gigantic and has a huge, Mac-sized screen.

For comparison, it's mentioned that Apple's smallest Mac display is currently that of the 21-inch iMac. Regardless of the exact specifications, the core message remains: it's going to be very large.

Portable only because it can be folded

In its unfolded state, such a screen wouldn't really be "portable." The report therefore emphasizes, in essence, that the iPad Fold remains portable primarily because it can be folded down to a smaller size. Its portability thus depends heavily on the folding mechanism.

No Mac replacement: Apple focuses on iPadOS instead of macOS

Despite its Mac-sized display, the device will reportedly not be a Mac. Apple is expected to run it on iPadOS, not macOS. There are also no plans for a combination of iPad and Mac, meaning no hybrid that merges the two worlds.

Between iPhone Fold, MacBook rumors and the iPad Fold

Rumors surrounding foldable Apple devices span several product lines. Most speculation focuses on expectations for an iPhone Fold. Additionally, there are isolated rumors about a foldable version of the MacBook Pro. And the iPad Fold keeps resurfacing as a topic, even though the release date keeps shifting.

Alternative direction: First a smaller, foldable iPad?

Regardless of the "giant iPad," there are also reports that Apple might first develop a smaller, foldable iPad. Instead of a gigantic device or a possible 18-inch model, a foldable device could be released to replace the iPad mini.

If this is the case, display sizes of 7 or 8 inches will be mentioned. At the same time, these sizes are so close to reports about the iPhone Fold that it could be a misunderstanding whether we're talking about an iPad Fold or an iPhone Fold.

Apple is demonstrably working on foldable technology

Whether it's the iPhone Fold or the iPad Fold: According to the report, Apple is definitely working on foldable devices. A patent that Apple was granted back in 2020 for hinges for a foldable device screen is cited as evidence.

Apple's foldable iPad remains a shaky prospect

The bottom line is a fairly clear picture: Apple is apparently developing a huge foldable iPad with a Mac-sized screen, but the project is struggling with practical design issues such as typing on such a large format. These problems have at least delayed the project and could, in an extreme case, lead to Apple abandoning it altogether. At the same time, the concept remains clearly positioned as an iPad: iPadOS instead of macOS, not a Mac-iPad hybrid. Meanwhile, there are indications of a smaller foldable iPad as a replacement for the iPad mini, although the similarity to iPhone Fold rumors could also suggest confusion. One thing is certain: Apple has been working on foldable devices for some time, as evidenced, among other things, by a hinge patent from 2020. (Image: Shutterstock / Sandor Szmutko)