Apple is reportedly facing hurdles in its pursuit of its first foldable device. While the company has been steadily expanding its iPhone lineup and is poised to introduce new models, its first dip into the foldable market seems to be encountering some challenges.
Originally anticipated for release in 2025, Apple’s first foldable device, speculated to be either an iPad or an iPhone, is now expected to arrive a year later in 2026. This delay is attributed to a combination of technical obstacles and supply chain constraints.
Design and manufacturing issues
Jeff Pu, an industry analyst, suggests that Apple is grappling with design intricacies and manufacturing complexities associated with foldable technology. Creating a seamless and durable hinge mechanism, a critical aspect of any foldable device, appears to be a particularly challenging hurdle for the tech giant. Furthermore, the yield rates for components are potentially driving up production costs. This echoes similar issues encountered with Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which has faced delays and pricing concerns in a similar vein.
While the foldable iPad is facing setbacks, rumors persist about a foldable iPhone. Apple is reportedly considering two versions— a fold model similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and a flip model akin to the Galaxy Z Flip. However, concrete details about these devices remain scarce, and their eventual release timeline is uncertain.
Additional new devices
Beyond the foldable iPhone, there’s speculation about an even more ambitious project: a hybrid iPad and Mac device. This intriguing concept could boast a massive 20.3-inch display and offer a unique blend of iPadOS and macOS functionalities. Such a device would represent a significant departure from Apple’s main product categories and could change the way users interact with computers and tablets. However, given the challenges encountered with the foldable iPad, it’s reasonable to assume that this hybrid device is still in the early stages of development and could face its own set of hurdles.
It’s important to note that the information surrounding Apple’s foldable devices is based on rumors and analyst speculation. The company has not officially confirmed any details about its plans, and the situation could evolve rapidly.
