1. Apple has discontinued its “iPad Ultra” foldable project due to engineering challenges and weight concerns.
2. The high-end foldable iPad prototype was reportedly heavy (around 3.5 pounds) and expensive (at least $3,900).
3. The underwhelming performance of the current iPad Pro line, coupled with declining demand, influenced the pivot away from a premium hybrid device.
4. Apple’s upcoming “Ultra” branding will focus on a foldable iPhone Ultra and a touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro, not the iPad.
Apple’s Project iPad Ultra Dead in the Water
According to reports, apple have now decided to trash the so called “iPad Ultra” project. This was really a bold idea, a hybrid device that could fold, kinda like a tablet but more like a mini laptop. The main goal was to shake up the tablet market, but it looks like the project won’t be going any further anymore.
disappointing sales
The source, a pretty credible leaker named Instant Digital, says that Apple’s design team, led by John Ternus and others, are changing gears. Instead of sticking with the high-end folding tablet idea, they are now focusing on other projects, mainly because the current premium iPad models like the iPad Pro just aren’t performing well enough. Despite being powerful with the latest M4 chip and sporting a fancy OLED display, these high-end iPads can’t seem to catch the buyers’ interest like they used to. Launching a foldable device that is so heavy and expensive just wasn’t the answer.
engineering hurdles and costs
The prototype of the foldable iPad, reportedly around 20 inches, was said to weigh about 3.5 pounds (which is nearly 1.6kg). This makes it heavier than some of Apple’s own MacBooks like the 14-inch MacBook Pro or the 15-inch MacBook Air. The supposed price was also sky-high at around $3,900. It’s quite a lot even for a premium device! The internal reports painted a picture of a device that could be difficult to use, balancing power, weight, and price. The engineering challenges seemed just too tough to overcome in time and budget.
comparing to Huawei and future plans
If the foldable iPad sounds familiar, it’s probably because it looks a lot like Huawei’s MateBook Fold, which features an 18-inch foldable screen that costs around $3,400. Huawei’s device has been out, and Apple’s team might have been trying to catch up or emulate some of that success. The truth is, Apple is working on other ultra-tier products too, like the foldable iPhone Ultra and a OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro, which is expected a few years from now. But the ambitious Ultra iPad, with its hefty price and complex design, seems to be off the table for now. Looks like Apple’s “Ultra” branding for tablets might have to wait a little longer.
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