Apple has paused development of its foldable iPad, according to a recent report, after internal testing revealed the device was too heavy and too expensive to bring to market as originally planned. The project, which had been targeting a 2024 release, is now undergoing a design reassessment.
Overview
The foldable iPad was intended to be Apple's first entry into the foldable-device category, a market already occupied by Samsung, Huawei, and others. However, the device reportedly weighed over 1.5 pounds (roughly 680 grams), making it significantly heavier than current iPad models and most competing foldable tablets. The premium price point was also cited as a major drawback, though exact figures were not disclosed.
What went wrong
According to the report, Apple's engineering team struggled to balance the structural requirements of a foldable display—which typically demands additional reinforcement and a hinge mechanism—with the portability and affordability expectations of iPad users. The resulting prototype was deemed too heavy for comfortable one-handed use and too expensive to compete effectively in the tablet market.
Revised design under consideration
Apple is now reassessing the design, though no specific changes or new timeline have been announced. It is unclear whether the company will reduce the screen size, switch to lighter materials, simplify the hinge, or adjust the target price point. The report does not indicate whether the project has been canceled outright or merely delayed.
Tradeoffs
Foldable devices inherently involve tradeoffs: a larger display in a compact form factor comes at the cost of added weight, thickness, and mechanical complexity. Apple's challenge is to deliver a foldable iPad that meets its usual standards for build quality and user experience without compromising on portability or pricing. Competitors have faced similar issues; Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, for example, has gradually reduced weight over multiple generations.
When to expect it
No revised release date has been reported. Given that the original 2024 target has slipped, a launch in 2025 or later seems plausible, but the report provides no confirmation. Apple has not publicly commented on the project.
Bottom line
The foldable iPad's delay underscores the engineering challenges of bringing a large-screen foldable device to market at a price and weight that consumers will accept. For now, Apple appears to be prioritizing getting the design right over rushing to market.