Apple's foldable iPad plans folded up: manufacturing issues, lack of demand for foldable tablet

Apple has reportedly shelved its plans for its foldable iPad according to new reports, with industry insiders citing manufacturing difficulties and more.

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In a new report from DigiTimes picked up by insider @Jukanrosleve on X, we're hearing that while Apple is going full-steam ahead with its foldable iPhone -- the purported iPhone Ultra -- its foldable iPad plans have been folded up, pun intended. I mean, it makes sense... a foldable iPhone will unfold into an iPad mini-sized device, while a foldable iPad isn't exactly going to fit in your pocket.

Apple might talk up its revolutionary and unprecedented word salad for marketing, but if the company took the chance to release a foldable MacBook laptop, then things would really get spicy. A foldable iPad would be cool to see, but I don't see the market ready for something like that at the adoption rates that Apple would need.

DigiTimes reports: "Sources familiar with the matter say Apple has also been exploring a foldable iPad alongside the iPhone. However, the company has decided to pause progress on the largest foldable device for the time being. Industry experts attribute this decision to manufacturing difficulties, increased production expenses -- particularly related to flexible display technology -- and a relatively modest consumer demand for larger foldable devices".

Apple's now shelved foldable iPad and its purported manufacturing issues and expensive components are a disappointing blow to Apple's foldable product family. Now we're hoping that Apple's first foray into the foldable market with its upcoming iPhone Ultra has everything riding on it.