2023 is an unusual year for the iPad, as it marked the first year that Apple did not announce any new model save for a USB-C Apple Pencil. While Apple is expected to announce a new iPad Pro with OLED displays, the latest rumor point to the iPad Mini’s days to be numbered. According to reports in Korea, Apple is reportedly working on a foldable device that’s slated to arrive sometime in 2026 or 2027–and the said device will replace the iPad Mini.
Does that mean that the iPad Mini’s sales are bad? Not really–in fact, Apple is also reportedly testing one with an 8.7-inch OLED display, though it’s no guarantee that it will be made available to consumers. According to reports, however, the rumored Apple foldable will have a 7 to 8-inch display. Since the current generation iPad Mini’s display measures 8.3-inches, the idea of Apple axing it for its rumored foldable will make sense in its push to streamline its portfolio of devices.
Aside from the iPad Mini’s undecided fate, other reported changes in Apple’s iPad portfolio includes a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air.
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Going back to Apple’s foldable plans, there’s also a report that it’s working on a bigger version that has a 20.25-inch display when unfolded. As for who will supply the foldable displays to Apple, both Samsung Display and LG Display have reportedly provided samples already. Given that Apple wants to start strong with its foldable device ambitions, it will not be surprising if it will implement a two-supplier strategy to keep up with demand.
