Apple Cancels Foldable iPad Focuses on Foldable iPhone Instead, Foldable iPad Plans Shelved Due to High Costs and Design Flaws
Apple has reportedly canceled its much-anticipated foldable iPad, shifting its focus to developing a foldable iPhone instead. According to multiple industry sources, the company has run into serious challenges with the foldable iPad, including high production costs, unresolved design issues, and concerns about low consumer demand.
Although rumors had previously suggested a foldable iPad might debut as early as this year, those expectations have now been put to rest. Insiders say the product has no fixed release date, and some even suggest it may never reach the market at all.
The foldable iPad was once seen as Apple’s potential entry into the foldable tech space, but with competing brands already offering more affordable options, Apple’s plans appear to have changed direction.
Apple Shifts Focus to Foldable iPhone Development
Apple is now putting its energy into a more promising project: the foldable iPhone. The move reflects the company’s strategy to lead in premium smartphone innovation, rather than follow the tablet foldables trend.
According to a DigiTimes report, Apple found the foldable iPad concept too expensive to develop without any clear market advantage. Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly working on solving one of the biggest issues with foldable phones today — the screen crease — in hopes of offering a smoother, more durable product.
Industry analysts suggest that Apple’s first foldable iPhone could arrive as early as 2026, which would place it in direct competition with established foldable phone makers like Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and OnePlus.
iPhone Fold May Launch With Premium Features and Pricing
Sources say the upcoming iPhone Fold could carry a price tag between $2,000 and $3,000, firmly placing it at the high end of the market. However, Apple may justify the cost through superior build quality, a more refined foldable design, and advanced internal specs.
Unlike other foldables on the market that still show visible screen creases and reliability issues, Apple reportedly wants to debut a product that solves these pain points. The foldable iPhone is still in early development, but the company’s focus has clearly shifted toward making it a major future release.
At present, there are no confirmed release dates for either a foldable iPad or iPhone. However, based on insider reports and Apple’s evolving strategy, it seems the foldable iPhone is likely to arrive first possibly within the next 1–2 years.
With increasing competition and evolving consumer interest, Apple may be under pressure to enter the foldable market sooner than expected. And if the rumors are accurate, Apple’s debut in the foldable space may begin with an iPhone, not an iPad.
