Apple iPad Fold rumoured to enter production much earlier than expected

According to a new report from DigiTimes, Apple has brought forward plans to release an iPad with a foldable display. Arguably, the market for devices with foldable displays has begun to reach maturity, in part thanks to the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. Based on previous rumours, Apple has been developing prototypes with a display that could unfold to as large as 20-inches, which would put it in competition with the laptop equivalents that ASUS, Lenovo and HP have introduced in recent years.

Previously, there had been talk of a 2026 launch. Allegedly, DigiTimes has learned from its sources that Apple hopes to begin mass production as early as next year. If Apple can maintain this plan, then it would suggest a launch towards the end of 2024 or early 2025. As always, this is only an estimate; apparently, Apple has not yet finalised the design of the so-called iPad Fold even after four years of development.

Supposedly, the entire iPad Fold project is designed to not only boost iPad sales but also identify issues before it embarks on a foldable iPhone. DigiTimes adds that Apple's current prototype has a noticeable fold, the visibility of which it wants to reduce with future iterations through help from LG Display and Samsung Display. Purportedly, the tablet's hinge design is already production-ready, although Apple is focusing on minimising production costs. Thus, Apple is expected to simplify the device's design to make its starting price more palatable. 

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