While other companies like Samsung have been releasing one foldable smartphone after another, fans of Cupertino-based tech giant are still not able to buy a foldable Apple-branded device in the market. This might not be the case in the next few years, as the iPhone maker might release a foldable device soon.
In its annual predictions report published on Tuesday, analysts at CCS Insight believe that Apple would be launching a foldable iPad in 2024, instead of a foldable iPhone that could compete with today's foldable smartphones.
Ben Wood, chief of research at CCS Insight, told CNBC that currently, it makes no sense for Apple to try and make a foldable iPhone to compete with other companies.
This is because the move will be considerably risky given the high cost of making such a device. Another reason for this, Wood noted, is the potential problems releasing a foldable iPhone would create for Apple.
Wood said that a foldable iPhone, if released now, would probably cost around $2,500. This could cannibalize the iPhone's sales, especially since the high-end iPhone 14 Pro Max only costs around $1,599 with the biggest storage allocation.
Furthermore, the analyst noted that if Apple does release a foldable iPhone right now, critics would be quick to pounce on the item once issues start appearing-like how they did with Samsung's first Galaxy Fold.
Nevertheless, Wood said Apple will still try to create a foldable device and release it in the near future as "the trend toward foldables is gathering momentum."
A new hope
The CCS Insight analyst explained that the move to create a foldable iPad first before a foldable iPhone would be beneficial to Apple.
First, it would give the tech giant a good chance to learn how to properly implement foldable screen technologies. It will be able to discover issues with larger foldable screens and create solutions for these before adapting the technology into smaller devices.
Second, it will help Apple "breathe new life" to the iPad lineup. While there are a variety of iPads available in the market today, a foldable iPad will be a welcome break for the monotonous tablet form.
An earlier report from Display Supply Chain Consultants indicate that Apple is looking into foldable display technology for 20-inch screens. While that could be for a foldable notebook-type device, it's entirely possible that it's for a foldable iPad that could be expanded.
