Apple's foldable iPad may be delayed. Will it adopt an iPadOS/macOS hybrid experience?

Apple is developing various new iPhone models for the future, which will allow it to lead the development of a new generation of smartphones. While rumors of a new ultra-thin iPhone 17 have persisted, what we're hearing now is that the company is working on different versions of its first foldable device, either as an iPhone or as an iPad. The company was previously expected to release the device in 2025, but later reports suggested that the foldable device would be released in 2026 due to supply constraints and technical issues.

Well-known analyst Jeff Pu pointed out in his latest research report that Apple will launch its first foldable iPad in 2026 instead of 2025, which can only indicate that the company has problems with design and technology. Pu also emphasized that the combination of the company's iPhone17 series with Apple Intelligence will boost iPhone sales, especially in China. However, there have been some "pushouts" with Apple's foldable phones, meaning the devices have been delayed beyond what we initially expected.

As mentioned earlier, the company may have moved up the launch date for two reasons, which may result in the current model being about a year ahead in the market with its standard appearance. Apple may be responding to development challenges, and slow technological progress may also be related to this. For example, Apple may be waiting for the hinge mechanism to be perfected, which is a key part of foldable devices. Additionally, on the manufacturing side, component yields may be lower than expected, which may increase the overall cost of the device, as we saw with the Vision Pro.

Analysts believe the company will release a foldable iPhone first before releasing a larger foldable device, a rumor that has been circulating for some time. The larger device could be an iPad or Mac hybrid with a 20.3-inch display, or it could be the company's first device with a hybrid iPadOS and macOS experience. As for the iPhone, there were earlier reports that the company planned to launch foldable and clamshell versions of the foldable iPhone, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip series. However, exact details are scarce at this stage.