Apple has two folding devices that are rumored to be under development. The most prominent one is the iPhone Fold, but the rumor mill believes that a folding iPad is also on the way.

However, if a Tuesday report from Bloomberg is to be believed, the iPad version will take even longer to arrive. While there were expectations of a 2028 release for the model, it's now anticipated to take until 2029 at the earliest to become a reality.

According to sources familiar with the device, Apple is working with Samsung Display to create the 18-inch display panel. As usual for Apple, and like the iPhone Fold, the project aims to minimize the chance of creases developing in the middle of the display.

The sources claim that the large screen has become a complex and expensive problem to solve. Enough of a problem to force an extended delay in its development.

It's so expensive that the final price of the foldable iPad could approach $3,000, or three times that of the 13-inch iPad Pro.

Engineers are also apparently worried about the weight of foldable prototypes. Compared to the iPad Pro which weighs in at around a pound, the prototypes are more like a MacBook Pro at 3.5 pounds.

While the weight is an issue, it's something that can certainly come down as development progresses. Sources say the current ptototype is reminiscent of the Huawei MateBook Fold, an 18-inch folding tablet.

Huawei's version allegedly weighs a pound less than Apple's current foldable prototypes. It also has a street price of about $3,400.

Source: Appleinsider