Apple currently holds the biggest global market share for tablet shipments, but, unsurprisingly, this segment has remained stagnant for years. These slates are rarely upgraded as frequently as smartphones, with owners preferring to keep them as secondary devices. Additionally, the premium price stamped on the more powerful versions cannot be entertained by the masses, especially if they have the choice between picking up an iPad or an iPhone.
These reasons would explain why an analyst predicts that Apple’s first foldable iPad will launch in 2028, and even then, it is not expected to garner a ton of reception. Additionally, with its expensive Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG), which should undoubtedly force the company to raise the price of this product, Apple’s motivation in proceeding with the launch could be at an all-time low. Given that the technology giant’s iPhones always ship in droves, a foldable version arriving sooner makes much more sense.
The Ultra-Thin Glass’ complex backend process could increase the cost by up to four times, with the analyst estimating that the foldable iPad will only ship up to a million units
TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that GIS and Corning will collaborate in the development and manufacturing of the UTG for the foldable iPad. Unfortunately, UTG is highly sensitive to ‘micro-cracks,’ meaning that the complex task of cutting, edge treatment, inspection, inner and outer packaging, shipping, and other processes will force a price hike of the UTG, making it more expensive to produce. Kuo believes the back-end processing is more costly than a traditional smartphone cover glass, and costs can increase to 2-4 times.
It should also be noted that since the foldable iPad will use a larger UTG, the increased surface area is associated with a price increase. With all the complications that Apple has to face, its shipment forecast for 2028 is only 500,000 to 1 million units, making it barely worth the effort in mass producing the device. In fact, Apple stands to gain much more financially if it directs more resources away from its foldable iPad, as its foldable iPhone is estimated to ship between 8-10 million units after its inception next year.
Then again, since Kuo predicts that the foldable iPad will be launched sometime in 2028, Apple has several months to brainstorm how to bring those manufacturing costs down. Assuming the profitability scale of this product continues to be low, the company might not proceed with a launch at all.
News Source: Ming-Chi Kuo
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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