APPLE

Ming-Chi Kuo: Foldable iPad is in development for 2024 launch

The foldable iPad would hit the market sooner than expected, in 2024 according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. It would be Apple's first new generation foldable, ruling out that this 'honor' fell to the foldable iPhone or another of the rumors, a hybrid between MacBook and 20-inch iPad postponed to 2026.

The category of “foldable” devices continues to gain ground, especially in smartphones. But there are other types of products where these new form factors, made possible by improved technology in flexible displays, could actually fit nicely. We've already seen a notebook with this design (like the impressive Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold) and tablets are another segment where the offer will reach.

Apple has resisted so far knowing that foldables make up only a small part of the total. But it's just a matter of time. The stakes of the foldable iPad are no less. Apple continues to lead the tablet market, but for this year sales should fall by up to 15%. Not surprising given the huge sales levels of the pandemic years. The market simply needs a break.

By 2024, Apple is preparing to recover with the renewal of the iPad mini and the foldable iPad that the analyst mentions. Not many details are known, except that it would be a small model, between 8 and 9 inches diagonally with the flexible screen as the protagonist. Ming-Chi Kuo cites a “carbon fiber” bracket produced by Chinese component maker Anjie Technology. Of course, Apple will power one of its latest M-series chipsets and support stylus pens.

A foldable iPad, if real, would definitely be the most interesting Apple tablet in a long time. Not only would it be Apple's first foldable device of any kind, it would also take the iPad in a whole new direction, making it a contender against convertibles and Windows 2-in-1s too.

In addition to the small tablet that Kuo mentions. Another is a foldable tablet with a 16-inch OLED screen; another is a tablet with smart assistant functions; another is a 20-inch MacBook and finally we have the foldable iPhone, certainly the most anticipated among consumers.

Analysts expect the foldable smartphone market to exceed 27 million annual units sold by 2025. The vast majority are Samsung-branded. Apple works at its own pace, but don't hesitate, when it enters a market, even later, it does so with the clear objective of conquering it.

by José Montes