Apple is delaying the development of its foldable tablet, citing manufacturing problems and expensive components. The company had planned to expand its product range after the iPhone with a foldable iPad, but reports suggest that progress has been halted due to several challenges.
The main issue lies in the production process, where the flexible display technology required for the device is proving difficult to manufacture. Apple would also need to address the crease issue on foldable devices, which is expensive to mitigate. The company prioritizes product design and a thicker front glass chemically treated to eliminate the crease would increase costs.
Moreover, sales of current tablets have been stagnant due to consumers finding little use for them. Those upgrading from smartphones and laptops tend to keep their devices longer, making a foldable iPad less appealing as an upgrade option. Given Apple’s high global market share in tablets, generating significant revenue with this new product seems unlikely unless the price drops.
While Apple commands over $6 billion in quarterly tablet revenue, its R&D investments may not be profitable if the device doesn’t sell well. The company will need to reassess its priorities and address these challenges before moving forward with a foldable iPad development plan.
Source: https://wccftech.com/apple-foldable-ipad-development-halted-due-to-manufacturing-difficulties