The latest Apple rumor comes from Jeff Lin, an analyst at IHS Markit , who claims that, based on information from the supply chain, Apple plans to launch its first foldable iPad in early 2020. The product, which would certainly be a huge hit, would have a number of features that don't quite fit with the company's philosophy, so we find it hard to believe that this rumor will come true in its entirety.
Apple's foldable iPad
The information suggests a 12-inch device similar to the current 12,9-inch iPad Pro , with the unique feature of a flexible screen that would allow it to be folded and 5G connectivity, making it Apple's first device to offer compatibility with the new networks. And that's where the doubts begin.
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A device with these features would be geared towards a business user seeking maximum productivity regardless of location. Furthermore, the device's rear camera would include a Time-of -Flight (TOF) sensor for capturing 3D models that could then be edited on the device using the Apple Pencil.
An utopia
But all these features of a fully featured device sound too far removed from Apple's usual releases, where steps are taken one at a time and there's never any room for rushing. To make matters worse, the information points to early 2020 , a date that seems far too soon to launch a foldable device with these characteristics.
It's true that the new iPhones we'll see in September could debut with 5G connectivity , so a 5G iPad for 2020 doesn't sound far-fetched at all. But a foldable screen… hasn't anyone seen what's happened so far? The technology exists, however, the two most feasible projects have been forced to delay their release due to difficulties with the final design (although it seems Samsung has finally cracked the code).
It's possible that among all the rumors, some details might be missing, but if everything is as it seems, we'd be talking about one of the boldest and most surprising launches that Cupertino has made in recent years. Remember that Microsoft is toying with the idea of ​​presenting a Surface with a dual screen , so this Apple proposal would serve to curb the Surface's impressive growth, increase interest in the tablet, and boost laptop sales, since this device would essentially perform those functions.