Apple puts foldable iPad plans on hold

Apple plans for a foldable iPad has been hit with a delay, one of its more ambitious hardware projects. According to a new report from DigiTimes, the company has stopped development, citing a mix of cost issues, design challenges, and questionable demand.

The delay in the Apple foldable iPad doesn’t mean the product is dead, but there’s no clear timeline for when it might return. The report claims Apple ran into major roadblocks trying to meet its standards. In particular, the company wanted to reduce the appearance of creases on the foldable display. That alone would’ve driven up production costs significantly, making the final retail price hard to justify.

Apple has already seen what happens when an expensive, niche device struggles to connect with consumers. The Vision Pro’s high price tag likely played a role in how Apple is approaching future experimental hardware. Even loyal fans have limits, and a foldable iPad priced north of $2,000 might not find many takers.

There’s also the problem of market fit. Tablets are already a niche category. Foldable tablets? Even smaller. Without clear demand, profitability becomes harder to defend.

Still, Apple isn’t walking away from foldables altogether. The company is reportedly moving forward with a foldable iPhone set for 2026. That device will likely serve as a test case. If it performs well and manufacturing costs come down, Apple could revisit the foldable iPad down the line. But for now, it’s staying in the lab.