The foldable iPad would hit the market earlier than expected, in 2024 according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. It would be Apple’s first next-generation foldable device, ruling out that “honor” going to a foldable iPhone or another rumored 20-inch MacBook/iPad hybrid until 2026.

The category of “foldable” devices continues to gain traction, especially with smartphones. However, there are other types of products where these new form factors made possible by improved flexible display technology can fit really well. We have already seen a laptop with this design (eg the impressive Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold) and tablets are the next segment where the offer will arrive.

Apple has so far resisted, knowing that foldable devices represent only a small part of the total. But it’s only a matter of time. The bet of the foldable iPad is no less. Apple continues to lead the tablet market, but sales are expected to drop by up to 15% this year. This is not surprising given the huge levels of sales during the pandemic years. The market just needs a break.

By 2024, Apple will prepare a renewal with the refresh of the iPad mini and foldable iPad that the analyst mentions. Not too many details are known, except that it would be a small model with a diagonal between 8 and 9 inches with a flexible screen as the protagonist. Ming-Chi Kuo cites a carbon fiber stand made by Chinese component maker Anjie Technology. Of course, Apple will be powered by one of its latest M-series chipsets and support stylus pens.

The foldable iPad, if real, would definitely be the most interesting Apple tablet in a long time. Not only would this be Apple’s first foldable device of any kind, it would also take the iPad in a whole new direction, making it a competitor to convertibles and Windows 2-in-1s.

We’ll see. In the last two years, we have received this type of “forecast” from analysts, which ultimately did not come true. And there are many rumors about it except for the small tablet that Kuo mentions. Another is a foldable tablet with a 16-inch OLED screen; another is a tablet with intelligent assistant functions; next is the 20-inch MacBook and finally we have the foldable iPhone, certainly the most anticipated among consumers.

Analysts expect the foldable smartphone market to exceed 27 million units sold annually by 2025. The vast majority are under the Samsung brand. Apple works at its own pace, but do not hesitate when it enters the market, even later, it does so with the clear goal of taking it by storm.