Apple will initially launch iPads with OLED displays instead of foldable iPads

As recently as October analyst Ben Wood spoke of a foldable iPad that would go into production as early as 2024 and be available at the end of next year. Now, however, Nikkei Asia reports that Apple currently has "no concrete plans" for an "iPad Fold", but is concentrating fully on the development of new iPad models with OLED displays.

Foldable iPads only after OLED switch of the iPad lineup

As soon as the switch of the iPad series to OLED screens is complete, Apple will "examine the possibility of producing foldable iPads". However, the Cupertino-based hardware and software manufacturer currently has "no concrete timetable" for a foldable iPad, according to the report. For reference, an earlier report suggested that a foldable Apple device of some kind (iPhone, iPad, or laptop) is not expected until 2025 at the earliest.

New iPads next year

However, it seems certain that the iPad lineup will be given a makeover next year. Two iPad Pro models with screen sizes of around 11 and 13 inches are set to launch in March 2024, featuring OLED displays in addition to the M3 chip. According to Nikkei Asia, the first MacBook with an OLED screen is in development, but will be released "in the second half of 2025 at the earliest".

Apple's current focus is therefore on equipping the iPad series with new OLED-based screens. "The direction in which Apple is moving, away from LCDs and towards OLEDs, is clear. We can see this in the investments made by suppliers such as Samsung and BOE," confirms the well-known display analyst Boyce Fan from TrendForce.