Rumors of Apple’s potential entry into the foldable market have been circulating for some time. Now, it appears there might be some movement, at least in the iPad domain. However, this doesn’t seem to be a cause for immediate excitement.
One of Apple’s significant strengths lies in its strategy of adopting new technologies only after their market establishment over several years—and then presenting them in their products as revolutionary. Thus, the rumors of the iPhone manufacturer planning an imminent release of foldable gadgets seemed improbable until now. These so-called Foldables, even today, neither appear entirely mature nor have they carved a place in the market. Despite substantial efforts from Samsung, Google, and others, they remain somewhat niche. Nevertheless, Apple’s interest in the technology seems to have been piqued.
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According to reports from Nikkei Asia, citing insiders, Apple is set to embark on a display overhaul in 2024, primarily focusing on a large-scale shift from LCD to OLED screens. The company has already incorporated such panels in its current iPhones, and reportedly, in 2024, the first iPads with these contrast-stronger and energy-efficient displays are expected to follow suit. Additionally, Apple is said to be working on a MacBook with an OLED screen, but this might only emerge in the latter half of 2025.
OLED Transition Could Bring a Foldable iPad
What’s more intriguing, however, is the indication from two independent sources within the company that Apple has begun exploring the possibility of a foldable iPad in the wake of the OLED transition. Thus, it appears the company is at least toying with the idea of introducing a foldable tablet into its portfolio. Insider information suggests that there’s no definite timeline for these plans as of yet. Therefore, one shouldn’t expect such a gadget anytime soon. It could be years before an actual release—if it even happens.
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In any case, Nikkei Asia anticipates that Apple’s transition to OLED screens will significantly disrupt the display industry in the near future. Beneficiaries of this move would likely include manufacturers such as Samsung Display, LG Display, and the Chinese firm BOE Technology, specializing in this technology. According to the report, LCD producers like Sharp and JDI are presently facing increasing pressure. Conversely, OLED manufacturers are substantially ramping up their investments in response to Apple’s plans, as per Nikkei Asia. For instance, BOE recently announced the construction of a new OLED factory valued at around 8 billion euros. Apple has not yet commented on either the OLED or the foldable plans.
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