iPad Ultra: Apple's $3,900, 20-inch foldable iPad-MacBook hybrid put on hold; it's too heavy

Apple has reportedly pulled the plug on its ambitious "iPad Ultra" project, a device once envisioned as a foldable hybrid meant to redefine the tablet market.

According to seasoned leaker Instant Digital, John Ternus & Co (get used to that name) are pivoting away from a premium iPad-MacBook hybrid - the source is citing the underwhelming commercial performance of current high-end iPad Pro models.

The M4 iPad Pro has struggled to meet its lofty shipment targets, and despite its incredible power and cutting-edge tandem OLED display, analysts like Ross Young noted a significant drop in demand throughout late 2024 and 2025.

Apple’s shelved foldable iPad Ultra prototype has a 20-inch OLED panel; it’s heavier than a MacBook Pro; $3,900 starting price was likely

While hardware chief and incoming CEO John Ternus felt positive about the 20-inch foldable prototype (allegedly the “iPad Ultra”), the engineering challenges proved immense.

Internal reports describe a foldable device weighing 3.5 pounds (almost 1.6KG), which is heavier than both the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 15-inch MacBook Air. Meanwhile, the theoretical price tag is rumored to have been at least $3,900. 

If the foldable iPad sounds familiar, this is because this design sounds identical to that of the Huawei MateBook Fold, which has an 18-inch foldable display (starts at $3,400). That's right, the Huawei Pura X Max isn't the only Huawei foldable Cupertino will be trying to emulate in the future.

While Apple’s "Ultra" branding revamp is happening and will be led by the foldable iPhone Ultra and a touchscreen-OLED MacBook Pro (expected in late 2026 or early 2027), the iPad's path to an "Ultra" tier appears blocked by its ambitious design and pricing ceiling.