It appears that Apple’s ambitious plans to develop a giant foldable iPad with a screen close to 20 inches may never see the light of day, according to a recent report published by tech analyst Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. Gurman cited multiple sources close to the project who stated that this flagship device could end up being just a “weird experiment” that never reaches consumers’ hands. This direction represents a striking retreat from a product that was once considered a top priority for executive John Ternus, who is preparing to officially take over as Apple’s CEO on September 1st.
Frequent delays and engineering challenges
The foldable iPad project has been under development and research within the company’s halls since at least 2023, with its expected release dates experiencing frequent and frustrating delays for experts. Initially, it was scheduled for release in 2024, then postponed to 2026, delayed again to 2029, and recently pushed back to 2029. Reports indicate that this continuous delay is primarily due to a set of complex engineering challenges faced by the design and development teams, mainly concerning the device’s weight, display technology, and ease of daily use.
Regarding precise technical details, leaks indicate that current prototypes of the device weigh about 3.5 pounds, which is considered very heavy and impractical for a portable tablet. This model relies on a sturdy aluminum chassis and a display produced by Samsung. However, Apple struggled significantly in its attempts to reduce the prominent crease that appears in the middle of foldable screens, a common issue in this type of technology. The company’s strict quality standards reportedly did not allow for such a technical flaw to reach consumers, leading to the derailment of the entire project.
The steep pricing hurdle
Alongside major technical obstacles, the cost issue emerges as another massive barrier threatening the project’s success. Bloomberg previously reported that the retail price for this innovative device could reach around $3,900. Comparing this figure to the 13-inch iPad Pro currently sold by the company for $1,299, it becomes clear that the price gap is enormous and may not be easily accepted by the market. This drastic price increase is due to the foldable device requiring complex internal components and hinge displays that are much more expensive than traditional screens.
As Gurman noted in his latest newsletter, the uncertainty surrounding the project may also reflect a natural shift in John Ternus’s own interests as he transitions from being the head of hardware to managing the entire company as CEO. This massive career shift requires him to reprioritize and redirect resources toward projects with higher commercial and technical viability.
The foldable iPhone and future bet
Although the future of the foldable iPad looks grim at the moment, the foldable iPhone project is still moving forward steadily according to its scheduled timeline for a fall 2026 launch. Ternus is expected to unveil this anticipated phone at a major product launch event shortly after taking over as CEO. The report stated that the company is deliberately positioning this device—expected to start at around $2,000—to serve as a pivotal, historic moment for the new CEO and a milestone proving his ability to steer the company’s innovation toward the future.
In a related context, the company continues to advance its plans to develop other wearable products to strengthen its technology ecosystem. Among the most prominent of these products are AI-powered smart glasses, a screenless wearable device specifically designed to compete with smart glasses produced by Meta in partnership with Ray-Ban. This upcoming product features dual cameras and will run on a custom processor derived from the company’s smartwatch chips. These glasses are expected to ship in 2027, following an initial reveal later this year.
Future projects and renewed ambitions
Furthermore, the company still plans to launch more advanced augmented reality glasses equipped with a built-in display providing an immersive visual experience, though this project seems further out on the timeline, expected between 2028 and 2030. Upcoming innovations are not limited to this; they also include AirPods with built-in smart cameras and an advanced AI-powered pendant, reflecting a clear drive by the company to expand its dominance in the wearable device market.
In conclusion, these reports paint a clear and detailed picture of a new CEO inheriting promising opportunities alongside difficult strategic decisions. Ternus will step into his role with a strong product pipeline ranging from the foldable iPhone to smart glasses and innovative AI devices. However, the foldable iPad, which once represented his premier hardware ambition, is now hanging in limbo. As AppleInsider noted, once the new CEO settles into his demanding role, the vision for the future direction of the hardware sector at one of the world’s largest tech companies will become much clearer.
FAQ
When will Apple’s foldable iPhone be launched?
Apple is expected to launch its anticipated foldable iPhone in the fall of 2026, with initial estimates suggesting its price will start at around $2,000.
What are the reasons for the delay or potential cancellation of the foldable iPad project?
The project faces complex engineering challenges, including the heavy weight of prototypes reaching 3.5 pounds, the difficulty of addressing the prominent crease in the middle of the screen, and the exorbitant production costs that could push the device’s price to $3,900 for consumers.
What wearable devices is Apple planning to launch soon?
The company is working on launching screenless AI-powered smart glasses by 2027 to compete with Meta’s glasses, in addition to advanced AR glasses by 2028 or 2030, and AirPods equipped with built-in cameras.
