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
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
0%
No
100%
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.
Relive the most iconic and unforgettable phones from the past 20 years! Iconic Phones is a stunningly illustrated book we’ve been crafting for over a year—and it’s set to launch in just a couple of months!
Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips is the ultimate coffee table book for any phone enthusiast. Featuring the stories of more than 20 beloved devices, it takes you on a nostalgic journey through the mobile revolution that transformed our world. Don’t miss out—sign up today to lock in your early-bird discount!
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.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: