New rumor reiterates claims that Apple is plans a foldable iPad

A new rumor from DigiTimes reiterates claims that Apple is planning a foldable iPad. (A subscription is required to read the article.)

“Apple, who is rumored to have been working on foldable smartphones for several years, reportedly is considering extending the effort to the tablet sector,” DigiTimes says, quoting unnamed “sources from the upstream supply chain.”

This isn’t a new prediction. In January, a series of tweets by the usually-accurate analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple will release a foldable iPad with a carbon fiber kickstand next year. He says a carbon fiber kickstand will enable it to be lighter and more durable. Kuo thinks a foldable iPad will boost shipments and improve the product mix. 

Even though I’m somewhat skeptical, there are have numerous reports and patent filings by Apple to hint at foldable iPads, as well as foldable iPhones. An April 2022 article by The Elec claimed that Apple is working with LG to develop a foldable OLED display panel with “ultra-thin” cover glass for future iPads and Mac laptops.

Also, Apple has filed for, and/or been granted, several patents for foldable devices over the years. One is for a “foldable cover and display for an electronic device” configured to be moved between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration by bending the cover layer along the foldable region. Others granted patents are for “folding devices with geared hinges.”

Speaking of foldable devices, a July 21 rumor claimed (again) that Apple is working on a 20-inch Mac laptop with a foldable display. And, of course, rumors of a foldable iPhone have abounded for years.