Analyst suggests Apple could release its first foldable in iPad form by 2024
While foldable phones have been a thing for at least 3 years now, Apple still thinks the technology is not mature enough for its devices. Previous rumors were suggesting that foldable iPhones could launch by 2025, but, according to a recent report coming from a reputable CCS Insight analyst featured on CNBC, Apple may first launch a foldable iPad in 2024.
Ben Wood, chief of research at CSS Insight, is arguing that a foldable iPhone does not make sense for Apple, as it would need to be priced in the US$2,500 range “in order to not cannibalize” existing premium models from the Pro Max lineup. Furthermore, Apple does not want critics to attack the company for any eventual technical issues, similar to how Samsung faced backlash from consumers with the first Galaxy Fold.
The foldable iPad could essentially act as a test run that provides valuable implementation and scaling data for future iPhone models, and Wood also suggests that this move can revitalize the iPad lineup.
No word on the actual display size of the foldable iPad. Display analyst Ross Young reported that Apple is experimenting with 20-inch foldable OLED displays featuring ultra-thin cover glass developed in collaboration with LG, whereas market analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple might turn to electronic paper displays no larger than 9 inches. In any case, it looks like Apple is primarily trying to solve the folding crease appearing in the middle of the screen.
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