Rumors Grow of Apple's First Foldable Device Being a 2024 iPad
Citing supply chain sources, DigiTimes reports Apple is coordinating with partners on its first foldable iPad, eyeing small-scale production by end of 2024.
Per the report, Apple is determined to establish a presence in the foldable space, though it hasn't submitted a design yet. The company will reportedly first implement the tech in larger products like iPads before expanding to iPhones.
The sources claim Apple is prioritizing cost-effective production using a simpler design approach. Moreover, Apple is said to favor launching foldable tech on the iPad over iPhone given iOS and iPadOS similarities.
Launching with the lower revenue-generating iPad also reduces risk compared to disrupting the core iPhone cash cow.
iPad Provides Ideal Foldable Launchpad
Analysts concur the iPad offers Apple an ideal launchpad for its foldable debut before expanding the tech to critical iPhone models.
Foldable iPads would allow Apple to refine the engineering and manufacturing while also enticing enterprise and creative pros to adopt it for added screen real estate.
The tablet form factor is better suited for initial foldable experiments versus cramming it into iPhones.
By taking things slow, Apple can iron out durability concerns that have plagued early foldable phones from competitors.
Future Foldable iPad-iPhone Convergence
Once perfected on the iPad, analysts expect Apple will incorporate foldable displays into iPhones by around 2025-2026.
This will fuse iPhone and iPad product lines amid slowing tablet sales. A foldable iPhone/iPad hybrid could offer portability when closed or a mini-tablet experience when opened.
But Apple is wise to nail the basics first with an iPad before the immense pressures of delivering a foldable iPhone likely in 2025.
Recent iOS 17.1 Updates Address iPhone 15 Issues
In another recent development, Apple has reportedly rolled out Release Candidate versions of iOS 17.1 to public testers and developers.
iOS 17 first launched last month, bringing major new features to iPhones like Live Voicemail, Contact Posters and the Journal app.
While initial reception has been smooth, some iPhone 15 users experienced overheating before Apple quickly fixed it via an iOS 17 update.
The rapid bug response highlights Apple's engineering strengths that will prove vital for managing foldable device complexity.
Foldables Represent the Next Frontier
As smartphone innovation stalls, foldable devices represent the industry's next battleground.
Huawei, Samsung and others have already released foldable smartphones to consumer response ranging from tepid to skeptical.
By patiently holding back, Apple is positioned to potentially leapfrog early movers once it does unveil its foldable iPhone.
In the same vein that Apple revolutionized smartphones with the iPhone, its foldable could set the standard for what device convergence looks like in the 2020s and beyond. But the company is smartly laying the groundwork one step at a time.
