Samsung May Not Make Foldable iPad Displays Until 2029

It’s no secret that Apple has been developing its first foldable iPad for quite some time. However, the development has reportedly hit snags due to problems with weight and display technology. As a result, the company has pushed the launch to 2029, up from the original plan for 2028. This also means that Samsung probably won’t start making the foldable display for the iPad until 2029.

Apple’s foldable iPad is still years away due to engineering challenges

According to Bloomberg, Apple has teamed up with Samsung Display to develop the 18-inch OLED screen. The display minimizes the crease that usually appears on foldable devices. Note that the Korean display maker is also developing a custom panel for the upcoming foldable iPhone with a similar crease-free approach.

While this is a solid opportunity for Samsung Display to boost its revenue, it will have to wait a few more years to get the green light for mass production. Apple is still refining the new form factor before moving forward. Rumors suggest the current foldable iPad prototypes weigh around 3.5 pounds, almost the same as a MacBook Pro. This makes it challenging for the company to balance portability with a large screen.

Another concern is the price, mainly due to the complexity of the foldable display technology. There’s chatter that the foldable iPad could cost around $3,000, about three times more than the 13-inch iPad Pro. The reason is the high cost of advanced OLED technology needed to create more vibrant graphics and thinner displays.

So, the company has to go through several engineering challenges and will require more time than previously estimated. The new release window for the foldable iPad is 2029, pushing back the original 2028 plan, as mentioned above. Speaking of the foldable iPhone, the company may not unveil it until 2027, as it has yet to finalize the design and key components.