While they may be late to the party, Apple, it seems has some big plans for its foldables, and it’s not just a foldable iPhone.
Apple has been planning to develop an 18-inch foldable iPad for quite some time, and each new leak sounds crazier than the last one. But before you start saving up for the first foldable iPad, there are a few things that you should know, First, the hyper-futuristic iPad might not hit the market until 2029. Second, and this is the more astounding bit, is that it could cost a jaw-dropping $3,000. So what will this $3,000 iPad entail, you ask? Let’s find out.
Apple’s foldable iPad: A giant leap in design
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s upcoming foldable iPad won’t look or function like the typical foldable phones we see from Samsung or Huawei. Instead of having an external screen, the device will unfold into something resembling a 13-inch MacBook, except here, the entire surface will be one continuous display. That means no physical keyboard, trackpad, or palm rest. The screen itself will take over those roles, potentially using touch controls, some form of virtual input methods or adaptive touch layouts.
The Challenge: Making it lighter and more practical
With innovation comes its fair share of challenges, and in case of the foldable iPad, its weight management. The first line of the prototype suggests that the foldable iPad weighs around 3.5 pounds compared to 1-1.5 pounds iPads available in the market today.
Considering Apple’s obsession with a slim form factor in their recent launches, like the iPhone Air, it should be no surprise that they are taking their time trying to reduce weight, testing how durable the hinge is.
When will the foldable iPad launch?
As mentioned earlier, Apple might be launching its foldable iPad 2029. So, there is a very strategic long wait, which will hopefully reveal a great product. Interestingly, Apple is developing the display in collaboration with Samsung, the Cupertino-based tech giant’s long-time partner for the iPhone and iPad’s displays.
What to expect and what it means for Apple fans
The foldable iPad is certainly one of the biggest risks that Apple will be taking. The device is designed to appeal to artists and tech enthusiasts.
But, the price is as ambitious as the device, considering that it might be priced around $3000, which, if converted at the current exchange rate, is about ₹2.5 Lakhs. It’ll be a statement device much like the first MacBook Air or the original iPhone.
