Apple Shelves Foldable ‘iPad Ultra’; Foldable iPhone and Touchscreen MacBook on Track for 2026

HomeBrandsAppleApple Shelves Foldable ‘iPad Ultra’; Foldable iPhone and Touchscreen MacBook on Track for 2026

Highlights

  • Apple has reportedly paused development of the foldable iPad Ultra because of several challenges.
  • The device was expected to have a large 20-inch foldable OLED display.
  • The foldable iPhone Ultra and touchscreen MacBook Ultra are still expected to launch in 2026.

Apple has reportedly put its plan to launch a foldable iPad Ultra on hold, marking a shift in its strategy for future devices. The highly anticipated foldable tablet, which was rumoured to combine features of both an iPad and a MacBook, has run into several obstacles. As a result, Apple has delayed the product or may even reconsider it.

Why Apple Put the Foldable iPad Ultra on Hold

One major challenge is the device’s weight and complex design. Early prototypes of the foldable iPad Ultra reportedly weigh as much as a MacBook, making them less practical as portable devices.

Apple is also facing engineering challenges with the large 20-inch foldable OLED display. It is hard to produce at scale without affecting durability or raising costs.

Foldable iPad Ultra might have featured a large 20-inch foldable OLED display (Pic Credit: @MacGeneration on X)
Foldable iPad Ultra might have featured a large 20-inch foldable OLED display (Pic Credit: @MacGeneration on X)

Cost is another big concern. Reports say the foldable iPad Ultra could cost up to $3,900, making it one of Apple’s most expensive devices and limiting its appeal.

There are also questions about consumer demand. Tablets already serve a niche market, and a high-end foldable version might only interest a small group of users.

Rumoured Specifications and Features

Even with the delay, leaks have given an interesting look at what the foldable iPad Ultra might offer. The device is expected to feature a large 20-inch foldable OLED display, allowing it to switch from a laptop-like form to a big tablet when opened.

Apart from this, the hybrid design could have removed the need for a physical keyboard. The device was expected to offer a dual-panel layout resembling a MacBook when folded and a full-screen tablet when opened.

The device may also use advanced display technology to reduce creasing and improve durability. Apart from this, other expected features include high-end build quality, next-generation Apple silicon, and possibly under-display Face ID technology. This would make it one of the most advanced devices Apple has ever planned.

What’s Next for Apple’s Foldable Future

Though the tech giant might have shelved plans to launch the foldable iPad Ultra, bigger plans to develop other foldable devices are still on. If reports are to be believed, Apple is on track to launch a foldable iPhone Ultra and a touchscreen MacBook Ultra in 2026.

Apple is on track to launch Foldable iPhone and Touchscreen MacBook in 2026 (Pic Credit: @ifrnb on X)
Apple is on track to launch Foldable iPhone and Touchscreen MacBook in 2026 (Pic Credit: @ifrnb on X)

Overall, Apple seems to be focusing on devices with stronger market demand while it continues to improve its foldable technology. The iPad Ultra may be delayed, but it is not forgotten. It will likely return when the technology and market are ready for a major launch.

FAQs

Q 1. Why has Apple delayed the foldable iPad Ultra?

Apple has reportedly put the device on hold due to challenges like excessive weight, complex foldable display engineering, high production costs, and uncertain market demand.

Q 2. What were the expected features of the foldable iPad Ultra?

The device was rumoured to feature a large 18–20-inch foldable OLED display, a hybrid iPad-MacBook design, advanced Apple silicon, and potential under-display Face ID.

Q 3. Is Apple still working on foldable devices?

Yes, reports suggest that a foldable iPhone Ultra and a touchscreen MacBook Ultra are still on track and could launch around 2026.

Also Read –

https://www.mymobileindia.com/apples-foldable-iphone-may-debut-as-iphone-ultra-reveals-leaker/

https://www.mymobileindia.com/apples-foldable-iphone-may-feature-ipad-like-interface-and-split-screen-apps-gurman/

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