Apple’s most daring iPad yet—a massive 18- to 20-inch foldable—appears to be slipping further down the roadmap. Fresh reports suggest the launch is being pushed from a tentative 2028 window to 2029 or later, underscoring just how complex this product really is.
Sources point to ongoing engineering challenges, especially around keeping the device’s weight in check while delivering a reliable, ultra-large foldable display. The panel, described as a giant foldable screen, must balance durability with a nearly invisible crease—no small feat at this size. Apple is said to be collaborating with Samsung Display to refine the technology, but the company is taking its time to ensure the design meets premium standards. When it finally arrives, the foldable iPad could carry a price tag around $3,900, positioning it squarely in the ultra-high-end category.
The delays aren’t limited to the tablet. Apple’s first foldable iPhone is also reportedly encountering setbacks tied to its hinge mechanism and flexible panels. Reflecting these headwinds, Mizuho analysts believe Apple has trimmed initial display panel production plans from about 13 million units to roughly 9 million.
As Apple recalibrates, its broader mobile roadmap is coming into focus. If the current timeline holds, the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to debut in fall 2026. The iPhone 18e and Apple’s first foldable iPhone are then anticipated in the first quarter of 2027.
Bottom line: Apple’s foldable iPad ambitions remain intact, but the company appears committed to perfecting the experience before it ships. Expect a premium, oversized foldable aimed at power users and creators who want laptop-like versatility, but be prepared to wait—and pay—for the privilege.
