Apple's 18-Inch Foldable iPad Development Faces Technical Hurdles and Potential Delays Until 2029

Apple's ambitious project to create a revolutionary foldable iPad featuring an enormous 18-inch screen is facing significant development challenges, potentially pushing back its intended release timeline.

The tech giant has been developing this high-end device—expected to retail for approximately $3,000—for several years, originally targeting a 2028 launch. However, engineering obstacles related to weight concerns, feature integration, and display technology advancements have likely delayed the debut until 2029 or beyond, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Apple is collaborating with Samsung Display Co. on developing the approximately 18-inch panel, sources revealed on condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the project. The display is being designed to minimize the crease commonly seen in foldable screens, employing similar technology to what Apple plans to use in its forthcoming foldable iPhone.

This innovative iPad represents part of Apple's broader strategy to introduce more groundbreaking products to the market. The company recently launched its thinnest iPhone design in years—the $999 iPhone Air—while simultaneously working on diverse projects ranging from smart glasses to tabletop robotic devices.

Unlike the planned foldable iPhone, prototypes of this new tablet—internally designated as J312—don't feature an external display. When folded, the device resembles a MacBook laptop with aluminum enclosure on both sides. When opened, it expands to approximately the size of a 13-inch laptop.

Engineering an 18-inch foldable display has proven exceptionally complex and expensive, pushing the estimated retail price to roughly three times that of a 13-inch iPad Pro. Similar to current Pro models, the foldable tablet would utilize OLED technology. This standard, short for organic light-emitting diode, enables more vibrant graphics and slimmer displays.

Weight concerns also plague current prototypes. While today's iPad Pro weighs between 1 and 1.3 pounds depending on the size, test units of the foldable device weigh approximately 3.5 pounds—comparable to a MacBook Pro.

Apple's spokesperson declined to comment on these developments.

Sources involved with the project indicate the device bears similarities to Huawei's MateBook Fold, an 18-inch foldable tablet launched by the Chinese technology company in May. Huawei's product weighs about one pound less than Apple's current prototypes and sells for approximately $3,400, though availability is limited to China.

Apple aims to revitalize its iPad lineup, first introduced by co-founder Steve Jobs fifteen years ago. The tablet market has experienced slowing demand recently, with many consumers opting for Mac computers instead. While iPad sales are projected to grow again this year, revenue remains significantly below the record set in 2021.

The company refreshed the iPad Pro last week with the M5 chip. Additional iPad updates are forthcoming, including revised Air and entry-level models early next year. However, these will feature only minor improvements—the Air will receive the M4 processor while the base iPad will upgrade to the A18 chip, according to knowledgeable sources.

The foldable iPad is intended to make a more substantial impact. If successful, it would demonstrate Apple's ability to compete in the expanding market for foldable devices. Competitors including Samsung Electronics Co., Alphabet Inc.'s Google, Lenovo Group Ltd.'s Motorola, and Huawei have already discovered consumer willingness to pay premium prices for foldable devices that offer larger screens in more portable designs.

Nevertheless, given the technical challenges and similarities to Huawei's existing product, some project participants question whether the device will ultimately reach production.

Apple routinely invests years developing major initiatives and has demonstrated willingness to cancel projects it no longer views as strong business opportunities or worthwhile resource investments.

The most notable example is the company's autonomous car project, terminated last year. More recently, Apple shelved a more affordable, lightweight version of its Vision Pro headset—known internally as N100—after years of development, surprising staff members.