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We’re already on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, but the first foldable iPhone could be years away, with a new report suggesting it won’t land before 2025 at the earliest, with a foldable iPad instead set to be the first. countries, by 2024.
According to analyst firm CCS Insight (via CNBC (opens in new tab)), who argues that a foldable tablet makes more sense to Apple than a foldable phone right now.
Ben Wood, head of research at CCS Insight, told CNBC there are two reasons for this. First, a foldable iPhone would have to be “incredibly expensive not to cannibalize existing iPhones”, with the company predicting a price of at least $2,500 (about £2,220 / AU$3,970).
Second, there’s a chance that Apple’s first foldable device will have technical problems, and Apple wouldn’t want to risk that with a device as well-known as an iPhone, as it could spark a “feeding frenzy” from critics.
Still, Wood thinks there will be some sort of foldable device, “because the trend toward foldable devices is accelerating.” And not only that a foldable iPad represents a lower risk than a foldable iPhone, it would also help “breathe” the iPad range.
These are generally compelling arguments, but it sounds like they’re more educated guesses than inside information, so we’d definitely take all of this with a grain of salt.
Still, plenty of sources and even patents suggest that Apple is researching foldable devices, so it’s probably only a matter of time before one is released, be it a phone or a tablet, and it’s also clear that whatever foldable Apple launches, will be extreme. expensive.
Analysis: Game Edge on Tablets
Although not mentioned here, a foldable tablet can also be a very attractive option for buyers as it is something that other companies don’t offer yet.
If Apple launches a foldable iPad in 2024, it will likely be one of the first companies to offer a foldable slate, so it probably won’t have much competition.
The iPad line is also probably more in need of fresh ideas than the iPhone. This year, Apple offered a new design for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, along with new forms of interaction powered by Dynamic Island, but for the iPad Pro 2022, which was just announced, the main change was simply a new one. chipset, which makes that a rather boring upgrade.
For now, the best iPads are among the best tablets, but sooner or later Apple will have to shake things up if it wants to maintain its top spot on the tablet.