Apple’s Foldable iPad Faces Major Setback: Engineering Hurdles Push Launch Beyond 2028

Apple’s Ambitious Foldable iPad Project Hits Significant Roadblocks

Apple’s vision for a groundbreaking 18-20 inch foldable device has encountered substantial engineering challenges that have forced the company to delay its anticipated release. According to recent reports from Bloomberg, what was originally slated for a 2028 debut may now not reach consumers until 2029 or later, marking a significant setback in Apple’s foldable technology roadmap.

Apple’s Ambitious Foldable iPad Project Hits Significant Roadblocks
The Core Engineering Challenges
Broader Impact on Apple’s Foldable Strategy
What This Means for Apple’s Product Timeline
The Competitive Landscape
Looking Ahead: The Future of Foldable Technology

The Core Engineering Challenges

The delay stems from persistent technical issues that Apple engineers are struggling to resolve. Sources familiar with the project indicate that the company is grappling with two primary concerns: excessive device weight and display panel reliability. The massive foldable screen, described by insiders as a “giant foldable screen,” presents unique challenges that differ significantly from smaller foldable devices currently on the market.

Apple continues to collaborate with Samsung Display to develop foldable panels that minimize the visible crease while maintaining durability. The partnership aims to create a nearly seamless viewing experience, but the scale of the iPad-sized display introduces complexities not present in smartphone-sized foldables., as comprehensive coverage, according to additional coverage

Broader Impact on Apple’s Foldable Strategy

This delay doesn’t exist in isolation. Apple’s entire foldable product lineup appears to be facing similar timing challenges. The company’s much-anticipated foldable iPhone is also experiencing setbacks, primarily due to complications with hinge mechanisms and display technology. This suggests Apple is taking a cautious approach to ensure product quality rather than rushing to market.

Analysts from Mizuho have noted that Apple has significantly scaled back its initial production targets for foldable display panels. The company has reduced its order projections from approximately 13 million units to just 9 million units, indicating a more conservative rollout strategy as technical hurdles persist.

What This Means for Apple’s Product Timeline

While foldable devices face delays, Apple’s traditional product lineup continues to evolve. The company‘s current roadmap suggests we’ll see the iPhone 18 Air, 18 Pro, and 18 Pro Max launch in fall 2026, followed by the iPhone 18e and the foldable iPhone in early 2027. The foldable iPad now sits further out on the horizon, potentially not arriving until the end of the decade.

The Competitive Landscape

Apple’s delayed entry into the large-screen foldable market gives competitors additional time to establish their positions. Companies like Samsung, Huawei, and Lenovo already offer foldable devices, though none at the scale Apple is attempting. This extended development period allows Apple to learn from competitors’ mistakes while potentially missing the initial market adoption wave.

Industry observers note that the additional development time could ultimately benefit consumers if it results in a more refined, reliable product. Apple’s reputation for quality control suggests the company won’t release a foldable device until it meets their stringent standards for performance and durability.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Foldable Technology

The technical challenges Apple faces highlight the broader difficulties in scaling foldable technology to larger form factors. As the industry watches Apple’s progress, the success or failure of this ambitious project could influence the entire direction of foldable computing devices. The extended timeline suggests that truly revolutionary large-screen foldables may still be several years away from mainstream adoption, despite the rapid advancement we’ve seen in smartphone-sized foldables.