Apple Foldable iPad release date expectations, price estimates, and upgrades
Foldable iPad concept. | Image by AppleInsider
Foldable iPad: what to expect
Rumored upgrades:
- 18-inch display with OLED panel
- Some rumors suggest even a 20-inch display
- Could be a Macbook-iPad hybrid
- Design is reportedly not finalized just yet
- Latest rumors indicate it's delayed to 2029
- 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, currently, 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 now, according to rumors.
Apple is reportedly currently focusing on its first foldable iPhone. The phone is expected in the fall with the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pro models, and it may give us an idea of what we can expect from the foldable iPad, if it happens at all.
Foldable iPad price
Apple products are usually on the expensive side. Likely, the foldable iPad may not be cheap either, given it will be a foldable device and potentially a high-end iPad.
You can safely expect a high price tag for this device.
Some reports indicate the foldable's price may be up to three times more expensive than the 13-inch iPad Pro, which is currently priced at $1,299. If that's true, we're looking at a device that may cost more than $3,000.
However, we don't know if the foldable is even going to be sold, so for now, let's wait and see.
Foldable iPad camera
Historically, the camera has never been the iPad’s strong suit. This is unlikely to change with the foldable iPad. However, we are yet to hear anything about the device's camera, and given its potential delay in release, we may be waiting for a while for that particular information.
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 128 GB of internal storage at base. While rumors have not hinted about the storage of the foldable iPad, Apple is a creature of habit, and we do not expect any major increases in that department.
However, if the foldable iPad does indeed go official later, potentially in 2029, as some rumors suggest, we may see bigger storage options. By then, probably there may be a bigger standard for starting storage.
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.
We've seen hints that Apple may be working on under-display Face ID tech. Apple may be exploring integrating the transceiver and transmitter components of Face ID for under-display facial recognition. More recent rumors claim this approach has had its struggles.
Reportedly, the design of the device has not been finalized just yet. Cupertino is said to be concerned with the hinges and the crease on the display.
Foldable iPad display
According to multiple rumors and reports, the Cupertino giant will most use 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.
Some rumors indicate the Cupertino tech giant may work with LG on an ultra-thin cover glass. Other rumors suggest Apple may partner with Samsung on the foldable display.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, on the other hand, claims that Apple has also tested electronic paper display (EPD) tech for future foldable devices. That would obviously be a huge change and seems rather unlikely for a premium iPad, but we don't know for certain just yet.
Foldable iPad battery
The foldable iPad battery is yet to leak as well. Given the purported footprint of the device, it could theoretically feature a battery as big as the ones found on the MacBook lineup.
Foldable iPad features and software
Unfortunately, leaks and rumors have not hinted at the OS the foldable iPad may run. It would be interesting to see if the latter leans more towards iPadOS or MacOS, given the device’s status as a hybrid.
If it ends up being considered an iPad by Apple, it will probably run a version of iPadOS. Potentially, the OS may be tweaked to accommodate the foldable screen.
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.
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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