Apple has put the brakes on its much-anticipated foldable iPad project, pausing development as the company faces a combination of technical, financial, and market-driven challenges. While the foldable iPad had been touted as a potential game-changer for the tablet market, recent reports confirm the device is now on indefinite hold—not canceled, but delayed as Apple reconsiders its strategy in the premium foldable segment.

Apple’s pursuit of a seamless, crease-free foldable display has proven more difficult than expected. The company’s reputation for hardware perfectionism means it is unwilling to compromise on quality, especially as current foldable displays from competitors like Samsung still struggle with visible creases and durability issues.

Insiders report that the foldable iPad would have been Apple’s most expensive tablet to date, potentially surpassing even the price of the Vision Pro headset. The high cost of flexible OLED display technology, combined with complex engineering requirements, has pushed production expenses beyond what Apple considers commercially viable for a mass-market release.

Despite steady iPad sales, the tablet market remains niche compared to smartphones. Apple’s internal analysis suggests that demand for large-screen foldables is still modest, raising concerns about the scalability and profitability of such a device. The company is wary of launching a high-priced product with limited appeal, especially as consumer interest in foldable tablets has not matched the enthusiasm seen for foldable phones.

Although the foldable iPad is not canceled, its development is paused indefinitely. Apple may revisit the project in the future as foldable display technology matures and production costs decrease. Industry analysts now predict that, if revived, the earliest a foldable iPad could launch would be 2027 or later, with some suggesting an even longer timeline.

Apple’s foldable iPad was envisioned as a bold reimagining of the tablet, potentially featuring a display as large as 20 inches when unfolded. However, the company’s insistence on eliminating the display crease and achieving a truly seamless folding experience has set a high bar for suppliers and engineers. Until these technical hurdles are overcome, and costs come down, the project will remain on the back burner.