New Delhi: Apple is said to have shelved its upcoming and much-hyped foldable iPad. This move is informed by the fact that the company has been experiencing high production costs, poor demand in the market and unsolved design issues. Rumours about a possible launch this year were already downplayed, but the foldable iPad now has no fixed release date, with insiders arguing it may not come until 2028, or even ever.
The tech giant seems to be shifting towards a foldable iPhone instead. With the iPhone 17 series gaining anticipation, Apple is also secretly developing the innovative foldable technology. With the iPad Fold being shelved indefinitely, the foldable iPhone is the current centre of attention for the brand in the flexible display market.
Apple’s focus shifts to foldable iPhone
DigiTimes reports that Apple found out that a folding iPad might prove to be too expensive without a competitive advantage in comparison to competitors. Its prohibitive cost would mean that it would be unappealing to consumers, considering that some of its rivals have already released their foldables at affordable rates.
Apple is currently in the process of creating a foldable phone that will have solved the problem of the crease, which is very prevalent in the current foldables. Industry sources suggest Apple might launch the iPhone Fold as early as 2026. It would present direct competition to Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and OnePlus in the segment of foldable smartphones.
iPhone Fold could carry a premium price tag
Apple is reported to sell its foldable iPhone between $2000 and $3000, or approximately 1.7 to 2.5 lakh in India. That places it on the high end of the market, and Apple could hope to justify the premium through a more polished design and cutting-edge.
At the moment, however, foldable Apple products are on the drawing board. However, as competitors intensify and consumers transition to new interests, Apple may enter the foldable market sooner than imagined but with the iPhone taking the forefront.