Apple recently filed two patents, including one for self-healing displays and the other one for crack-resistant displays. A rumour has been doing the rounds of the internet since then that Apple will first introduce its foldable technology on iPad, followed by the iPhones. Now, the latest reports suggest that the Cupertino giant will launch the iPad Fold with a carbon fibre kickstand in 2024.
The information was shared by the famous analyst Ming-Chi Kuo on Twitter on Monday. He mentioned in his tweet that one of the future iPad models would ship with a foldable display and a carbon fibre kickstand for additional durability. According to him, Jiangsu, China-based Anjie Technology, which supplies internal and external functional components for consumer electronics companies, is going to be the biggest beneficiary of the growing trend of foldable gadgets that will come with kickstands.
He also predicted that iPad shipments would see a Year-on-Year (YoY) decline of 10-15 per cent in 2023. Furthermore, Kuo said that Apple might not release any new iPad in the next 9-12 months. A prediction regarding the iPad model with a foldable panel will enter the market with a super-premium tag. The iPad Fold could serve as the tester to see the audience’s reaction before finally launching the iPhone Fold. In addition, this move will also let Apple see how it will compete with other foldable devices from brands like Samsung, Oppo and Vivo.
While foldable phone production is going to attain a fast pace in the coming months, Apple is also working on smart home devices. It is also being said that a toned-down iPad will be used for controlling HomeKit devices. A report by Bloomberg said that Apple might be working on devices with screens to let users control smart home devices connected to the HomeKit account.