iPad Fold is just a year away, says top Apple analyst

Apple plans to launch a foldable iPad tablet next year, according to a highly respected Apple analyst.

Ming-Chi Kuo, who has strong contacts in supply chain industries, says he is "positive" that a foldable iPad will arrive in 2024 to "enhance the product line".

Kuo says Apple could slow the flow of new iPad models in 2023 as it gears up for the foldable iPad and an iPad mini refresh.

“Anjie Technology will be the new beneficiary of the brand new foldable iPad design. There may not be any new iPad releases in the next 9-12 months, as the iPad mini refresh is more likely to start mass production in 1Q24,” Kuo said on Twitter.

"Thus, I'm taking a conservative approach to iPad shipments for 2023, predicting a 10-15% year-over-year decline. Still, I'm optimistic about the foldable iPad in 2024 and expect this new model to boost shipments and improve the product lineup.

Additionally, Kou says the foldable iPad will feature a carbon fiber kickstand in the design, which will be made by the aforementioned Anjie Technology.

“My latest survey indicates that the foldable iPad will feature a carbon fiber kickstand. The carbon fiber material will make the kickstand lighter and more durable, Kou added. “Anjie Technology, as a supplier of polishing and bonding the carbon fiber kickstand for the foldable iPad, is expected to continue to benefit from the growing trend of foldable devices with kickstands in the future. »

An iPad Fold has been widely rumored for some time now, certainly for most of 2022. In November, it emerged that Samsung also expected Apple to launch a foldable tablet in 2024. It is also expected Apple's first foldable to be an iPad rather than an iPhone.