Apple's next iPad mini expected before mid-2024, won't fold

I can see a possible use for at least an option of an iPhone model that folds, but frankly I don't see an iPad being foldable as a particularly useful feature.  Given Apple's tendency to think outside the box, we will more likely have an iPad that rolls up, LOL.  Wait, that might be pretty cool!.

MacPro said:

I can see a possible use for at least an option of an iPhone model that folds, but frankly I don't see an iPad being foldable as a particularly useful feature.  Given Apple's tendency to think outside the box, we will more likely have an iPad that rolls up, LOL.  Wait, that might be pretty cool!.

I’ve thought a rolling iPad made more sense for a long time. No single point of high stress. No line that is more prone to failure. The issue is of course the battery. But I suppose a series of cells with hinge lines between them might do it. 

The Mini is the most likely place to include folding/rolling technology. The full sized iPads and iPad Pro’s need a flat screen without a ripple in the middle. Big phones are a possibility, but they tend to get overly thick. But an iPad Mini that folded/rolled might be a good target.

Why does it need to “fold”? Those folding phone has terrible durability issues not to mention you can see the fold in the middle of screen!

Madbum said:

Why does it need to “fold”? Those folding phone has terrible durability issues not to mention you can see the fold in the middle of screen!

Oh, but it’s the next big thing. Didn’t you get the memo? iPads and iPhones have become boring and no one is buying them anymore. Apple is falling behind. Tech blogs have stated so.

lkrupp said:

Madbum said:

Why does it need to “fold”? Those folding phone has terrible durability issues not to mention you can see the fold in the middle of screen!

Oh, but it’s the next big thing. Didn’t you get the memo? iPads and iPhones have become boring and no one is buying them anymore. Apple is falling behind. Tech blogs have stated so.

FTA:

"Despite the risks, Wood says Apple has "no option but to react because the trend toward foldables is gathering momentum."

That momentum is basically due to prices coming down and hardware improvements. 

Folding phones bring changes in usage. That should be obvious because of the hinge assembly. 

Not one folding phone has been plagued by durability issues, though. 

Do you remember when the iPhone went 'all glass'? 

People became even more aware of the perils of drops and took more care in handling and protecting their phones and even with the technological advances in materials over the years, broken fronts and backs are still common. Are those models plagued by durability issues? 

If you are considering a folding phone you absolutely know there will some tradeoffs with regards to non-folding phones. Just like when phones moved from metal/plastic backs to glass. But a tradeoff does not mean everything is negative. You are supposed to see plus points and there are. 

A while ago my brother's entire family moved to Galaxy Flips. Another brother has bought a Fold 4. No problems so far and they adore their phones. 

Are folding phones just trends that will die off like curved TVs and 3D?

It definitely does not look like it. Quite the opposite right now as more and more brands release new folding phones and almost all of them raising the bar over previous models. 

As prices come down you can expect demand to increase and that is something that will put pressure on Apple. 

Was the butterfly keyboard plagued by issues? There's a thought. Some will outright say no. Only Apple has the numbers. Was there a design problem with it? IMO a definite yes. The upshot was that Apple moved away from that design. 

Is the industry moving away from folding designs? Definitely not and not because of design issues. Perhaps scrollables will win out at some point but that isn't reality yet.