Rumors about a giant folding tablet are gaining momentum. A Weibo leaker named Digital Chat Station claims that the upcoming foldable version of the iPad will share a major hardware component with the highly anticipated iPhone Ultra. The shared component is a custom crease-free hinge system. While the first foldable phone from Apple is expected to arrive this fall, the massive folding tablet will likely take a bit longer to hit store shelves.
The shared hinge design aims to eliminate visible screen creases
Digital Chat Station indicates that the tech giant wants to create a completely new market for supersized folding tablets. To make this work, the company is focusing heavily on screen durability. The hinge is a known weak point for folding screens, often leaving a permanent mark down the middle of the display. By bringing the same mechanical hinge from its upcoming flagship phone to a much larger screen, the company hopes to keep its display completely flat.
The phone version, often referred to as the iPhone Fold by industry watchers, has reportedly faced production delays during its development. Testing showed that keeping a hinge strong under constant daily use is difficult. To fix this, engineers are relying on liquid metal parts to improve structural strength without adding extra weight. Since a tablet opens and closes less often than a phone but has a wider surface area to support, this reinforced metal design makes logical sense for both devices.
While the phone is gearing up for a fall release, the folding tablet remains in the early stages of development. Creating a giant folding screen that does not show a crease requires plenty of testing. At the moment, the company’s focus is entirely on perfecting the mechanics of the phone.
