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A foldable iPad with a carbon fiber kickstand is reportedly in the works and could launch in early 2024.
This information comes from notable Apple tipster Ming-Chi Kuo via a Twitter thread (opens in new tab). While not much can be gleaned from the short thread, what he reveals paints a rather interesting picture for the tech giant in 2023. According to Kuo, Chinese manufacturer Anjie Technology will provide the carbon fiber standard for the new device and is expected to benefit hugely of this “growing trend of foldable devices equipped with stands.” He goes on to say that the upcoming iPad will launch alongside a refreshed iPad Mini, which will “probably begin mass production in the same period.” As for the near future, things are going to be a bit unfriendly to consumers. Kuo says it’s possible “there may be no new iPad releases for a while [nine to 12] months” as Apple works on its upcoming devices. He also predicts that iPad shipments will drop 10 to 15 percent year-over-year through 2023.
The NPD Group, a market research firm, reports tech sales in the US (opens in new tab) is “expected to be eight percent lower year-on-year by the end of 2022.” That number will fall another five percent this year. With consumer spending coming down, it looks like Apple is closing the shutters on a rocky 2023. Despite the near future looking a bit bleak, Kuo says he’s confident that both the foldable iPad and the new iPad Mini model “shipments will boost”. [plus] improve the product mix.”
Predominant rumours
News about foldable Apple devices has been circulating the internet for the past few years. Back in 2021 (opens in new tab), Kuo said a foldable iPhone with an eight-inch screen would appear this year. However, given the “major technology and mass production issues” affecting the device, it’s unlikely to happen just yet. At the earliest, this williPhone flip,as it is sometimes called, is expected to launch sometime in 2025 and will be very expensive. A leak suggests the price tag is hovering around $2,500.
Between a foldable iPad and iPhone, analyst firm CCS Insights states that the former is more likely to happen due to the price of a foldable smartphone and the inevitable technical issues the device will face. Something has to get metaphorically bloody first. It might as well be the iPad and nothing as “striking as an iPhone.” Samsung confirms this theory as it predicts, Apple will also launch its first foldable next year. Just like CCS Insights, the Android giant also thinks it will become a kind of tablet.
So it seems that a foldable Apple device is nothing short of an inevitability at this point. Just don’t expect an iPad model or an iPhone Flip to show up at this year’s WWDC23 event. The company is currently playing its cards close to its chest.
If you’re interested in a foldable phone, you’ll need to buy an Android for that. Make sure TechRadar has been updated recently list of best foldable phones for 2023 including the Huawei Mate XS and the Galaxy Fold 4.