Apple Foldable iPad release date expectations, price estimates, and upgrades
Foldable iPad concept. | Image by AppleInsider
Foldable iPad: what to expect
Rumors upgrades:
- Apple's first foldable iPad
- 18-inch display with OLED panel
- Latest rumors indicate it's delayed to 2029
Expected release timeline:
- 2028, or potentially even 2029, according to the latest industry rumors.
Expected price:
- Potential price is rumored to be above $2,500.
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Foldable iPad release date
Given that we are talking about a first-generation product, there is no past precedent on which we can base our prediction. Furthermore, at the moment, most industry insiders are also sharing contradictory bits of information.
| Device | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Foldable iPad | Potentially 2028 or even 2029* | 2029* |
*Probable dates
Back in 2025, we heard rumors the foldable iPad was coming. However, now, reputable industry insider Mark Gurman claims that the product has been delayed. Potentially, it may come in 2029... or not come at all.
Foldable iPad price
Pricing is always a point of contention with Apple products, and this time will likely be no different. Foldables in general tend to be expensive, as are the high-end iPads. Therefore, we expect the foldable iPad to be a very premium device, with an ostentatious price tag. At this point, no concrete number has been cited, but we expect Apple’s foldable to cost well-above $2500, in light of how devices like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold are priced.
Foldable iPad camera
Historically, the camera has never been the iPad’s strong suit. This is unlikely to change with the foldable iPad and that is why, probably, we will know nothing about the latter’s camera until the very release. Should any information surface, we will be adding it accordingly.
Foldable iPad storage
It is common knowledge that Apple is notoriously stingy when it comes to storage. Currently, even the most premium iPads feature just 128GB of internal storage at base. While we have no information on the storage of the foldable iPad, Apple is a creature of habit, and we do not expect any major increases in that department.
Foldable iPad design
According to most rumors, the foldable iPad will feature a 20” foldable OLED panel, and, based on what we know so far, it looks like the device will be somewhat of a hybrid between a massive iPad and a small-ish laptop. Hence, we expect a form factor similar to that of the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED, but even bigger.
Apple's new iPad Pro. | Image by Apple
Beyond that, according to Ming-Chi Kuo, the foldable iPad could have a built-in kickstand made from carbon fiber. We are currently not entirely certain whether the device will feature a secondary display in a similar vein to most notepad-style foldable like the Galaxy Z Fold lineup.
Foldable iPad display
As we previously mentioned, according to multiple reports, Apple will most likely be using a 20-inch ‘hybrid’ OLED panel for the first foldable iPad. The difference between a normal OLED panel, and a ‘hybrid’ one is that the latter is not susceptible to ‘crumpling’.
The aforementioned phenomenon generally occurs in bigger OLED panels and causes a certain degree of distortion, especially along the edges of the screen. Тhis is a major quality concern for Apple, and it was the reason why the company opted for mini-LED technology for the iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch) in the first place.
Nevertheless, all high-end iPads are projected to transition to ‘hybrid’ OLED technology by 2024. This is why we expect the foldable iPad to adopt it as well.
Foldable iPad battery
Currently, we know nothing about the battery of the Apple foldable iPad. Given the purported footprint of the device, it could theoretically feature a battery as big as the ones found on the MacBook lineup. This is, however, purely in the realm of speculation.
Foldable iPad features and software
Unfortunately, we still have no idea what type of software the foldable iPad would run. It would be interesting to see if the latter leans more towards iPadOS or MacOS, given the device’s status as a hybrid.
When it comes to specific features, we have little beyond a couple of patents that allude to futuristic technologies such as self-healing displays and crack-resistant foldable screens. Needless to say, there is no guarantee they will ever materialize. It is also possible that the foldable iPad may feature Apple Pencil support, but a custom tip will likely be necessary in order to prevent scratching, given how much more fragile the foldable display will be.
Should I wait for the Foldable iPad?
- You should wait for the foldable iPad if you have all the tech you need right now and would be interested in seeing this device in the future.
But in general...
- You should not wait for the foldable iPad because it's highly likely it's either not coming at all, or is coming beyond 2028. As such, it's not worth it to wait for it at the moment.
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