The world of technology is buzzing with rumours of Apple’s latest creation: a foldable iPad. Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has hinted at the possibility of a release as early as next year, stirring excitement amongst tech enthusiasts. Kuo stated that the new model will be a game-changer, “I’m positive about the foldable iPad in 2024 and expect this new model will boost shipments and improve the product mix”, he tweeted.
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Thus, I'm taking a cautious approach to iPad shipments for 2023, predicting a YoY decline of 10-15%. Nevertheless, I'm positive about the foldable iPad in 2024 and expect this new model will boost shipments and improve the product mix.— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) January 30, 2023
The details surrounding the foldable iPad remain scarce, but Kuo has hinted at a key component of the device, a “carbon fibre” kickstand produced by Chinese manufacturer Anjie Technology. This announcement comes in contrast to previous reports, which predicted a much later release date.
Last February, Display Supply Chain Consultant analyst Ross Young reported that Apple was developing a foldable iPad/MacBook hybrid with a 20-inch folding screen. However, he anticipated that the device wouldn’t be available until 2026. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, later reported that Apple was exploring a dual-screen foldable, with the bottom half of the display serving as a virtual keyboard when used as a clamshell MacBook.
Gurman did not provide an exact release date, but noted in October that the foldable iPad could be released “later in the decade.” On the other hand, Kuo has previously predicted the release of a foldable iPhone in 2023, but recent rumours suggest otherwise. It is believed that the foldable iPad will feature a smaller screen, between 7.5 to 8 inches or possibly similar in size to the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Kuo is also predicting a drop in iPad shipments in 2023, with a decrease of between 10 to 15 per cent year-over-year. However, he expects the next iPad release to be a revamped iPad Mini, with mass production starting in the first quarter of 2024.
