Apple plans foldable iPad for 2024, researcher claims

‘A folding iPhone would have to be incredibly expensive in order to not cannibalize the existing iPhones,’ analyst says

Anthony Cuthbertson
Wednesday 19 October 2022 09:40 EDT
Comments
A concept design for a foldable iPad created by Repreid
A concept design for a foldable iPad created by Repreid (RepreiD/ Screengrab)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Apple plans to launch a foldable iPad in 2024, according to analysts.

The US tech giant has long been rumoured to be working on a folding iPhone, with several patents filed for hinged screen technology.

The latest speculation, which comes from analysts at CCS Insight, suggests that Apple will first test the success of a foldable iPad before bringing a folding iPhone to market.

“Right now it doesn’t make sense for Apple to make a foldable iPhone. We think they will shun that trend and probably dip a toe in the water with a foldable iPad,” Ben Wood, chief of research at CCS Insight, told CNBC.

“A folding iPhone will be super high risk for Apple. Firstly, it would have to be incredibly expensive in order to not cannibalize the existing iPhones.”

The foldable iPad will likely be a significant step up in price from the current range of Apple tablets, which currently currently start at £499 for the latest 10th generation models.

Several of Apple’s rivals have already launched folding devices, most notably Samsung with its Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip handsets.

Google is also reportedly planning a folding smartphone in the form of the Google Pixel Fold, which could launch as early as next year.

According to Mr Wood, Apple has “no option but to react because the trend toward foldables is gathering momentum”, however the world’s most valuable tech company is taking a cautious approach as it risks a “feeding frenzy” among critics if there are any issues with the launch.

Apple does not comment on unreleased products.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in