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Apple’s foldable iPad has been delayed once again and might be dead on arrival

The rumored 18-inch tablet is reportedly too heavy, too expensive, and too late to the party.

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By Johanna Romero

Updated: Oct 21, 2025, 2:22 PM

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Referential image of the 2024 M4 iPad Pro. | Image credit — PhoneArena

Apple's giant foldable iPad is running into some serious development problems, particularly with its weight and cost. The ambitious project, once set for 2028, is now looking at 2029 or later, and it’s not even clear it will ever launch.

What is happening with Apple's giant foldable iPad?

Apple's big plan to shake up the iPad lineup with a massive foldable screen has hit some serious snags. According to a report from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, the company has been working on this 18-inch foldable tablet for years, aiming for a 2028 release. But now, it's looking more like 2029... or maybe never.

The main culprits? Engineering challenges. They're struggling with the 18-inch OLED display (working with Samsung to minimize the crease) and, honestly, the sheer weight of the thing. Prototypes are reportedly tipping the scales at 3.5 pounds. For context, that's firmly in MacBook Pro territory, not the 1.3 pounds of the current large iPad Pro.

Why this foldable dream is turning into a bit of a headache

Marketing image of the front of the 2025 iPad Pro with keyboard

Apple's new 2025 iPad Pro. | Image credit — Apple

This isn't just about making a bigger iPad. It's Apple's attempt to finally jump into the foldable market that rivals like Samsung, Google, and Huawei are already playing in. The iPad lineup, despite the new M5 Pro, is feeling a bit stale, and sales are way off their 2021 high. This foldable was meant to be the next big "wow" product.

The problem is, others are already doing it. Huawei launched its 18-inch MateBook Fold back in May. While it's only available in China and costs a whopping $3,400, it weighs about a pound less than Apple's current prototypes. When your unreleased product is already heavier and (likely) just as expensive as the competition, that's a bad start.

Do you think Apple's giant foldable iPad will get to see the light of day?

Yes

21.88%

78.13%

Honestly, I’m not sure this even makes sense

Look, I love new tech — especially when it comes to the iPad — but this whole thing sounds like a recipe for disaster. A 3.5-pound "tablet" that costs $3,000? Who is this for? When closed, it apparently resembles a Mac laptop but without an external screen, making it a bit of a useless brick. When open, it's the size of a 13-inch laptop. At that point, is that even an iPad anymore?

I get that Apple wants to compete, but this feels like a solution in search of a problem. They're reportedly worried it might never see the light of day, and frankly, I'm with them. After canceling the Apple Car and the cheaper Vision Pro, Apple has shown it's willing to cut its losses. This might be next on the chopping block, and I wouldn't be mad about it.

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Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and former member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.

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