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, or 20-inch display, not clear which rumor will end up accurate
- Could be a Macbook-iPad hybrid
- Design is reportedly not finalized just yet
- May share the hinge design with the iPhone Ultra
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
The foldable iPad's release date is not clear at the moment, with rumors pointing to a 2028 or even 2029 release timeframe for the device.
| Device | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Foldable iPad | Potentially 2028 or even 2029* | 2029* |
*Probable dates
Back in 2025, there were plenty of rumors claiming the foldable iPad was coming soon. However, reputable industry insider Mark Gurman then indicated that the device has been delayed.
Currently, the Cupertino giant is likely focusing on its first foldable iPhone. The device may be called the iPhone Ultra and may come in the fall together with the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pro models in the fall of 2026.
Foldable iPad price
Usually, Apple devices are on the expensive side, and we don't expect a foldable iPad to be cheap.
Some reports hint that 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.
Foldable iPad camera
Leaks and rumors have not yet given us what to expect from the foldable iPad's camera system. Usually, cameras on iPads are not as capable as the ones we see in flagship iPhone, for example, but expect a reliable and capable camera nonetheless.
The main focus of an iPad camera is video calls, so expect a great performance from video calls on a foldable iPad as well. For reference, the latest iPad Pro comes with a 12MP Center Stage ultra-wide camera for selfies as video calls, and a 12 MP wide camera on the back with adaptive True Tone flash, 5 x digital zoom, and up to 4K at 60 fps recording capabilities.
We don't know if the foldable iPad will get a similar camera to the iPad Pro, but you can safely assume it would come with something similar if it were to retail at an exceptional price tag.
Foldable iPad storage
You can safely expect at least a starting storage of 256 GB for the iPad. Of course, if it indeed launches in 2029, as current rumors are suggesting, it may come with more starting storage than this.
Apart from that, storage variants may include 512 GB and 1 TB. Apple may also include a 2 TB option.
Foldable iPad design
According to most rumors, the foldable iPad will feature a 20-inch 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've seen hints that Apple may be working on under-display Face ID tech by integrating the transceiver and transmitter components of Face ID for under-display facial recognition. More recent rumors claim this approach has had its struggles.
Meanwhile, the design of the device has not been finalized just yet.
A new report now claims that the foldable iPad may share the same hinge design as the upcoming foldable iPhone, which may or may not be called the iPhone Ultra. Apparently, this report indicates this may help Apple achieve a crease-free display for the iPad as well.
Foldable iPad display
According to multiple rumors and reports, the Cupertino giant will most likely 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 and Samsung on an ultra-thin cover glass.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that Apple has also tested electronic paper display (EPD) tech for future foldable devices, but this information has not been corroborated by other sources thus far.
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.
You can expect it to comfortably last at least a day.
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. Also, if you're interested in the portability aspect of such a device, which, when folded, would be more compact than your regular MacBook or iPad Pro, while potentially having their power and extended productivity capabilities.
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 or even in 2029. Currently, the device's existence itself is not confirmed, so if you need a foldable device or an iPad, you can very well purchase one now instead of waiting for an unknown period of time.
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