Revered analyst Ming-Chi Kuo studies on Twitter that Apple will launch an “all-new design foldable iPad” subsequent 12 months with “a carbon fiber kickstand.” Primarily based on info from his provide chain sources, Kuo says he’s “optimistic” concerning the launch of the next-gen pill, a uncommon proclamation from the analyst who often errs on the facet of warning.
Kuo affords few particulars concerning the new gadget, however there are already rumors that Apple is engaged on an iPad bigger than the 12.9-inch iPad Professional, presumably as giant as 16 inches. It’s not clear how Apple would market the gadget or how small it could be when folded.
Regardless of quite a few folding telephones available on the market from Samsung, Motorola, and Oppo, Apple has but to launch a folding gadget and there have been few rumors to recommend one is imminent. Regardless of Samsung delivery almost 10 million folding telephones in 2022, the market nonetheless represents a small fraction of cellphone gross sales.
A carbon fiber kickstand could be “lighter and extra sturdy,” based on Kuo. It’s not clear whether or not he’s referring to a function of the iPad itself or an adjunct, as Apple has by no means made a tool that had a built-in kickstand, although circumstances like its newly launched Magic Keyboard Folio do embrace kickstands.
Little else is thought concerning the folding iPad, together with whether or not it has an out of doors display screen to make use of when folded just like the Galaxy Z Fold or the way it will shut with out leaving a spot. Samsung’s folding units all have a small U-shaped opening when closed because of the hinge, a design alternative Apple could be very unlikely to make use of. A current patent (translation) reveals Samsung creating a “water drop sort hinge” that lets the case fold flush however it’s but to make its means right into a delivery product.
In keeping with Kuo, the folding iPad will comply with an unprecedented lull in releases that might see over a 12 months with no new iPad. Apple launched the M2 iPad Professional and tenth technology iPad in October however Kuo isn’t anticipating any new fashions for the subsequent 9-12 months. He expects the subsequent model of the iPad mini, which was final up to date with an entire redesign in September 2021 and can doubtless deliver little greater than a brand new processor, to “start mass manufacturing in 1Q24.”