We’re already on the stage of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, but it could still be years until the first foldable iPhone, with a new report suggesting it won’t land before 2025 at the earliest, with the foldable iPad landing instead first. 2024.
According to the analytical company CCS Insight (via CNBC (opens in a new tab)), which argues that nowadays a foldable tablet makes more sense for Apple than a foldable phone.
Ben Wood, head of research at CCS Insight, told CNBC there were two reasons for this. For one, the foldable iPhone “had to be incredibly expensive not to cannibalize existing iPhones,” and the company is predicting a price tag of at least $ 2,500 (around £ 2,220 / AU $ 3,970).
Secondly, there’s a chance Apple’s first foldable device will have technical issues, and Apple wouldn’t want to risk it with a device as loud as the iPhone as it could lead to “feeding frenzy” from critics.
However, Wood believes there is some sort of folding device coming, “because the trend towards folding is gaining momentum.” Besides being a less risky proposition for a foldable iPad than a foldable iPhone, it would also help “breathe new life” into the iPad range.
These are convincing arguments overall, but it looks like this is more educated guesswork than inside information, so we would certainly take it all with a grain of salt.
Still, many sources and even patents suggest that Apple is researching foldable devices, so it’s probably only a matter of time before one of them is released, be it a phone or a tablet, and it’s also obvious that whatever foldable Apple launches will be extremely expensive.
Analysis: before playing on tablets
While not mentioned here, a foldable tablet can also prove to be a very attractive option for buyers as it’s something other companies don’t yet offer.
If Apple introduces a foldable iPad in 2024, it will likely be one of the first companies to offer a folding plate, so it likely won’t have much competition.
The iPad line probably needs more fresh ideas than the iPhone. This year, Apple offered a new design for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, coupled with new forms of interaction powered by Dynamic Island, but in the case of the iPad Pro 2022 that has just been announced, the most important change was simply the new chipset, which makes it a rather boring upgrade.
For now, the best iPads are among the best tablets, but Apple will have to shake it sooner or later if it intends to maintain the top position on tablets.