Tech News Assistant Editor
Tez Mukamba
Apple’s Reputation and the Foldable Challenge
For years, Apple has been regarded as the benchmark of innovation — a company known for redefining technology through groundbreaking products like the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. However, the company’s long-awaited entry into the foldable device market is reportedly facing significant delays, raising questions about its ability to maintain its innovative edge in an increasingly competitive tech landscape.
According to reports from foreign media outlets, including Bloomberg, Apple’s first foldable device — believed to be a foldable iPad — may not debut until 2029, a full year later than its previously projected 2028 release date. Sources close to the company cite persistent development challenges, particularly concerning the display’s weight, durability, and foldability.
Initially, expectations were high that Apple would enter the foldable market earlier, potentially redefining it the way it once transformed the smartphone and tablet industries. However, insiders suggest that the company’s signature pursuit of perfection has contributed to the delay. Apple is reportedly unwilling to compromise on key features such as display smoothness, hinge durability, and crease minimization, which remain difficult engineering hurdles.
While it is still uncertain whether Apple’s first foldable will take the form of an iPad or a Mac, industry insiders believe the company has been developing an 18-inch foldable display in partnership with Samsung Display, a long-time supplier of OLED panels. This device, when folded, could resemble a large tablet; when unfolded, it may offer a laptop-like experience — a concept that bridges Apple’s tablet and Mac ecosystems.
Price, Performance, and the Competition
If and when the foldable iPad or Mac finally arrives, it is expected to come with a premium price tag — possibly up to three times more expensive than the current 13-inch iPad Pro, which retails for $1,299 (about ₩1.87 million). Analysts attribute the steep projected cost to the high production expenses of foldable OLED panels, the specialized hinge mechanism, and other custom components that differ from existing models.
Another major concern is weight. Sources reveal that Apple’s prototype foldable device is significantly heavier than the latest iPad Pro models, a factor that contradicts Apple’s long-standing emphasis on portability and sleek design. Engineers are reportedly exploring lightweight materials and advanced hinges to address this issue before launch.
Meanwhile, Apple’s competitors have not waited. Samsung Electronics continues to dominate the foldable market with its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series, refining performance, design, and display durability with each iteration. Chinese tech giants such as Huawei, Xiaomi, and Oppo have also entered the race, releasing foldable smartphones and hybrid devices that appeal to consumers eager for next-generation form factors.
A senior industry analyst remarked, “Apple seems to be chasing perfection rather than speed. While that strategy aligns with their brand identity, it also risks leaving them behind in fast-moving markets where innovation thrives on experimentation.”
Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone is also facing similar setbacks. Initially projected for a 2026 release, it is now expected to debut no earlier than 2027, as the company works to refine the hinge mechanism and ensure display resilience. Mizuho Securities, a Japanese financial firm, reported that Apple may need additional time to finalize core design elements, further delaying mass production.
The Road Ahead — Caution or Complacency?
Apple’s cautious approach to foldable technology underscores its long-standing philosophy: it does not aim to be first, but rather to be the best. Historically, this strategy has served the company well — Apple was not the first to release an MP3 player, smartphone, or tablet, yet it redefined each category through superior design and ecosystem integration.
However, the tech landscape has changed. The pace of innovation is now faster than ever, and rivals have become more agile. Samsung, for instance, has already entered its sixth generation of foldable smartphones, and other competitors are experimenting with rollable and transparent displays. By the time Apple enters the market, foldables may have already evolved into an entirely new category of devices.
Some analysts believe Apple’s delay could work in its favor, allowing it to learn from competitors’ mistakes and release a product that delivers unmatched quality. Others, however, warn that excessive caution could cost the company its reputation as a market leader.
A source familiar with Apple’s internal strategy summed it up: “Apple’s goal is not to be first, but to be flawless. Yet, perfection has a price — and in this case, that price might be time.”
As of now, Apple has made no official statement regarding the exact timeline for its foldable devices. Whether it arrives as a foldable iPad, MacBook, or iPhone, expectations remain high that Apple’s eventual entry into the foldable market will be transformative — just as it was with the iPhone in 2007. Until then, the world watches as Apple’s rivals push forward, while the tech giant quietly works behind the scenes to perfect its next big leap in innovation.
