According to the latest reports coming from the reputed supply chain analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, the Cupertino giant could reportedly launch its first-ever foldable iPad in 2024. While Kuo did not provide much information on the rumored foldable iPad, the device will likely feature a “carbon fiber kickstand” manufactured by Chinese component manufacturer Anjie Technology. The carbon fiber material is expected to make the device more durable and lighter in weight. With Apple already launching M2 series chipsets, Mac mini, Homepod, and more this year, there will be no launch of new iPads by the tech giant in the upcoming nine to twelve months, says Ming-Chi Kuo, as “the iPad mini refresh is more likely to commence mass production” in the first quarter of next year. He also estimated that the sales of iPad will have a year-on-year (YoY) decline of 10-15 percent. However, Kuo anticipates that the foldable iPad released in 2024 will not only benefit the shipment of Apple iPads but also enhance the product mix. Besides the foldable iPad, the analyst suggests that Apple will also launch iPad Mini with a new and upgraded processor in 2024. It will go into mass production in the first quarter of 2024. “Anjie Technology will be the new beneficiary of the all-new design foldable iPad. There may be no new iPad releases in the next 9 -12 months as the iPad mini refresh is more likely to begin mass production in 1Q24,” Kuo wrote in a series of tweets on Monday. “Thus, I’m taking a cautious approach to iPad shipments for 2023, predicting a YoY decline of 10-15%. Nevertheless, I’m positive about the foldable iPad in 2024 and expect this new model will boost shipments and improve the product mix.” This is not the first time that rumors of a foldable iPad have surfaced online. In October 2022, research firm CCS Insight released a study that speculated Apple could release a foldable iPad in 2024 instead of a rumored foldable iPhone as a test run for foldable technology.
