22nd October 2025 – (Cupertino) Apple’s ambitious project to develop a large-scale foldable iPad has encountered substantial technical obstacles, pushing its prospective launch window to 2029 or later. The device, internally designated J312, was originally anticipated for a 2028 release but now faces a protracted delay due to persistent engineering challenges.
According to industry reports, the technology firm is grappling with fundamental design issues concerning the product’s weight and an 18-inch display panel. Current prototypes are said to weigh approximately 3.5 pounds, considerably heavier than existing iPad models which typically range between one and 1.3 pounds. This weight presents a considerable ergonomic challenge for a device intended for portable use.
The development of the expansive foldable screen represents another critical hurdle. Apple is collaborating with Samsung Display to create reliable folding panels that minimise the visible crease common to such technology. The complexity of engineering this large-format flexible display has reportedly driven production costs to roughly triple that of the current 13-inch iPad Pro, potentially positioning the foldable device at a retail price near $3,900.
These developments occur within a broader context of recalibration for Apple’s foldable product strategy. The company’s rumoured foldable iPhone has also reportedly experienced setbacks, with analysts from Mizhuo Securities indicating a revised production target of 9 million display units, reduced from an initial 13 million. The smartphone is now anticipated for a 2027 release, separate from the main iPhone 18 line.
The conceptual design for the foldable iPad is understood to resemble a MacBook, featuring an aluminium enclosure that opens to reveal a screen comparable in size to a 13-inch MacBook Air. This vision aligns with similar products like Huawei’s MateBook Fold, though Apple’s ambitions for a larger 18-inch display introduce unique engineering complexities.
