Apple has spent years working on a new iPad with a huge 20-inch screen that can fold in half. Even though the company built several test versions, this giant tablet might never reach store shelves across the United States. According to Mark Gurman, the tech maker could treat this idea as a learning experience instead of a final product sold to everyday buyers.
The large foldable tablet faces clear design and testing problems
Gurman noted that the people building the device found some real practical issues. When the screen folds out to its full 20-inch size, it is very large and hard to manage like a normal tablet. The team also struggled to figure out how someone would comfortably type on it without a real physical keyboard.
Because of these roadblocks, the foldable iPad might just stay locked away. Apple often tests new hardware ideas for years before deciding to either sell them or put them away forever. Right now, it is putting more energy into a smaller folding iPhone, which is expected to launch later this year.
Leadership shifts might cause the company to drop this idea
The giant tablet was a major focus for John Ternus, who currently leads the hardware team and will take the role of Apple CEO in September. However, Gurman reports that as Ternus takes on this bigger role, he will have to guide the whole business instead of just watching over specific devices.
This change in power means he will have less time to push the folding iPad forward. Without his direct attention, the tricky hardware project could easily be set aside. While nothing is officially confirmed, the chances of anyone buying this massive tablet seem to be dropping fast.
