In the world of foldable devices, apple has long been missing from the scene, leaving samsung, google, huawei, Honor, and motorola to dominate the market. However, Apple is now gearing up to make its presence felt by taking a unique approach – entering the foldable arena through the door of tablets. Instead of chasing the trend of foldable smartphones, Apple is expediting the development of a foldable iPad, aiming to lead the way in an untapped foldable tablet market.
Apple is Accelerating the Development of the Foldable iPad
Despite the undeniable success of foldable smartphones, with a Canalys report projecting the introduction of 37 new models in 2023 alone, Apple has chosen to remain on the sidelines. This growing sector now commands a 5% share of the global premium smartphone market, a significant increase from a mere 0.3% in 2019. Nonetheless, Apple's delay in entering the foldable market has been viewed as a missed opportunity.
Recent reports from DigiTimes indicate that Apple is now changing its strategy to seize a fresh opportunity in the foldable tablet segment. Apple is closely collaborating with its suppliers, with the goal of starting small-scale production of a foldable iPad by late 2024, potentially launching it by the end of 2024 or early 2025. Even analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted the same a few months back and according to him, the foldable iPad will also feature a lightweight carbon fiber kickstand.
Insiders have revealed that Apple has been working on this project since 2023 and has secured key design and functionality patents. The patent sketches reveal a sleek foldable tablet with a flexible hinge mechanism, exuding a slim, stylish aesthetic with Apple's signature finesse.
In a market dominated by foldable smartphones, Apple's pivot towards foldable tablets could prove to be a game-changer. With competitors already making their mark in foldable technology, Apple's entry could bring fresh innovation and competition to the foldable tablet sector.
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Via: gizmochina.com
