Apple's rumored large folding iPad reportedly has engineering challenges that are pushing its release until 2029 at the earliest.

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.

Long-term big-idea

The rumors about a foldable iPad have circulated for quite some time. In part, this has been buoyed by patent filings by Apple for products that are fairly close in concept.

These patents have included a hinged OLED screen turning a large iPad into a MacBook, as well as a "keyless keyboard" for a dual-screened MacBook. Apple has even envisioned improving the design by using actuators to change the physical shape of a screen's surface to raise "keys."

Models of iPad Pro with large screens have also been rumored about. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has discussed the topic in the past, including one 2021 report about Apple exploring the idea of a "bigger tablet size" beyond 12.9 inches.

However, it hasn't been smooth sailing for the concept. In July 2025, it was claimed that Apple had decided to "pause progress" on the project in favor of getting the iPhone Fold over the line.

Though Apple is seemingly having trouble with a large-screen folding iPad, it's not the only foldable that it's apparently having trouble with. On October 17, Apple was reportedly still working on designing the hinge for the iPhone Fold.