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The bulk is not negligible, but I still have no answer to "why would I need this" to begin with.

Yes it looks cool, but then what?

Functionality maybe? I don't know, maybe a larger screen isn't more functional let's all go back to 13" monitors and 4" phone screens. FYI the bulk is fairly negligible depending on how you want to split the hair. iPhone 15 pro max 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm x 221g. Fold 5 folded 158.5 x 67.5 x 13.4mm x 253g. (PRO tip: 8.3 x 2 does not equal 13.4, another PRO tip 221g x2 does not equal 253g.

And that's one of the largest/thickest foldables out there. Many foldabes are virtually as thin as the 15pm, the Honor V2, for example, is only 9.9mm when folded.
 
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In my case, iPad Mini is also my phone (Voip app with buds). One thing I really wish it had that iPhone does is pocketability. I don't want to go iPhone only because I don't want that relatively small screen as my only screen. I see practically no purpose (for ME) in carrying BOTH products around everywhere.

So I want a foldable iPad for pocketability that can cover both phone and tablet uses. If that turns out to be an unfoldable iPhone, I imagine it as basically the SAME product with same benefits.

iPad used as a phone too (hardware and cell service) is substantially less expensive than iPhone (hardware and cell service) and covers all telephony bases for me just fine. All other apps- IMO- works better on the added screen R.E.

Perhaps there's nothing in that for you. But all the people who have ever been watching/using something on an iPhone screen and wishing they had more screen R.E. and/or those using their iPad but wish it was more portable/pocketable can find BOTH itches scratched in a single product like this.

Does that mean everyone must have this forced upon them? No. Anyone happy with the "as is" would keep enjoying the "as is." This would be for those people who want something different.
It sounds like a foldable iPhone is what you would want/need, but I see your comment on iPads costing less than iPhones to makeway for a foldable iPad case - I doubt foldable tech would allow any sort of saving at this point, it's a new manufacturing process better adapted to smaller displays than large ones, it's mighty expensive, and that crease...
 
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I‘d be glad to be proven wrong, but the ones I tried I can see where the screen folds while it’s not folded and I honestly don’t like that at all.

Personally I’d only buy a foldable device if there’s not a non-foldable alternative, or if in the future the place where it folds actually stays flat when opened. We’ll see.
Which devices are you referring to that don't stay flat when opened? My partner and I have owned 4 foldable phones and did not observe this problem.
 
Wait until Apple rolls one out and than I bet you will suddenly get it... as will just about everyone else who posts such stuff now... BEFORE Apple offers one.

See YEARS of phablet phone ridicule before Apple went phablets... and NFC ridicule before Apple Pay... and USB-C port ridicule up to days before iPhone 15 launch... and 1080p AppleTVs while Apple still clung to 720p and then 4K AppleTVs while Apple clung to 1080p... and iPod even on launch day presented by the Lord Jobs himself... and Vpro right now before it is launched... and this fold concept before Apple rolls out a fold.
Nope. Not me. Who makes something has zero effect on if I want it. I don't see the need for an iPad at all. We have one because my girlfriend wanted one. I don't touch the thing. Same with the Apple Watch. I didn't want one for years after it came out until I realized I needed to get healthier. I don't just buy stuff because Apple makes it.
 
Nope. Not me. Who makes something has zero effect on if I want it. I don't see the need for an iPad at all. We have one because my girlfriend wanted one. I don't touch the thing. Same with the Apple Watch. I didn't want one for years after it came out until I realized I needed to get healthier. I don't just buy stuff because Apple makes it.

Impressive. As you likely know, there are a lot of people on here who will readily flip flop passionate opinions based on if Apple has one or not... or has one now or not. If you are an exception to that type, glad to read your posts... even if some opinions differ from my own.

IMO: we need more people around here who write what they actually think than what perfectly meshes with what is for sale right now. At least in such posts, I believe I'm reading actual consumer opinions... than only blanket fan adoration or anti-fan contempt about all things. IMO, there's more value in objectivity than hard biases at either extreme.
 
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My guess is that they won't use a single screen but 2 separate screens that will open to a seamless flat surface with almost no notice of where the screen separates between the fold.

This isn't a bad guess at all, I could see Apple doing this. But unless they can somehow retract the frame and make the 2 screens touch or overlap it's going to be worse than a crease. I almost never notice the crease when in use, but I can see it as a legitimate concern for some, no argument there. But having any kind of line, no matter how thin it is, separating the screens is just a no go for me personally. But again, I could see Apple doing this and maybe some cool screen to screen features like Microsoft attempted to do with the Duo. Much of the appeal is in the software, and in this arena Samsung completely and utterly blows away iPad OS for multitasking.
 
This makes me recall countless notch defense posts where people claim they don't even notice the notch... and dynamic island since.

Perhaps a transparent Apple crease would be even harder to see than a black notch or island for some?

For me the difference is the notch and DI are at the top of the screen and not in teh middle where you are viewing and scrolling. If it is visible that would intrude on the viewable area, something the notch does not do; especially since it is bookended by information that is more or less permanently displayed regardless of what is on the rest of the screen.

YMMV
 
Impressive. As you likely know, there are a lot of people on here who will readily flip flop passionate opinions based on if Apple has one or not... or has one now or not. If you are an exception to that type, glad to read your posts... even if some opinions differ from my own.

IMO- we need more people around here who write what they actually think than what perfectly meshes with what is for sale right now. At least in such posts, I believe I'm reading actual consumer opinions... than only blanket fan adoration or anti-fan contempt about all things. IMO, there's more value in objectivity than hard biases at either extreme.
I love Apple, don't get me wrong. There's a post somewhere on here about a guy getting an Apple logo tattoo... that's me. lol. I just look at it objectively and decide if a product makes sense for me to own, rather than just buy it because Apple makes it. IE: iPods, HomePods, etc. Never owned a single one.

EDIT: Found the link to the post: Tattoo post
 
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For me the difference is the notch and DI are at the top of the screen and not in teh middle where you are viewing and scrolling. If it is visible that would intrude on the viewable area, something the notch does not do; especially since it is bookended by information that is more or less permanently displayed regardless of what is on the rest of the screen.

YMMV

I'm with you... but this is transparent while notches & islands tend to be black on sometimes bright white screens. I have to believe if Apple people can "not even notice" the latter, they can similarly not notice the former... but probably not until Apple rolls out a Fold themselves. We'll 'see'... or not 'see'... if this rumor becomes reality at some point.
 
All the complaints over the notch and yall want a big wave down the middle of your screen......

I will say, if it Z folds for a smaller secondary screen that also can become a keyboard when folded out and in landscape, I might consider one. Otherwise there's zero point in a folding ipad unless all of the screen(s) are within the clamshell and protected. Which having an external smaller screen would negate.
 
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oh wow. didn’t see this coming.

I would definitely be more interested in a folding iPad than an iPhone.

I am curious to see both, but think I would like the iPad more.
 


Apple's rumored foldable iPad is now in "intensive development" and could be announced as soon as late 2024, according to DigiTimes.

Foldable-iPhone-2023-Feature-Blue.jpg

In a paywalled report that cites supply chain sources, DigiTimes outlines how Apple is now working with suppliers on foldable iPad development, ahead of small-scale production scheduled for the end of 2024. The Taiwanese publication believes that this indicates Apple could announce the device in late 2024 or early 2025 if progress remains steady.

Apple has apparently been working on foldable products for four years and continuously made design changes in this time, planning to release a foldable iPad before working on a foldable iPhone. Apple chose to focus on the iPad because it makes up a comparatively small proportion of the company's sales, meaning that potential issues are easier to manage and less impactful.

The company has reportedly not yet finalized the design of the foldable iPad. Initially, Apple's product design team led the project but this role is now said to have shifted to the procurement department to bring down costs. Apple's main objective at this stage is to achieve a more cost-effective design, motivating contentious changes to the device.

A main issue is said to be the device's panel and hinges, with Apple being particularly concerned about the display creasing. The company is purportedly looking to Samsung and LG to provide a display that mitigates the creasing effect using mechanical design solutions. Apple is seemingly able to obtain sufficient supply of the device's hinge, but is still seeking a design that is more cost-effective and easy to mass produce, which could require further simplification and reduction in the number of parts.

Mass production of Apple's first foldable is expected to commence in 2025. DigiTimes believes the foldable could boost iPad shipments, sparking an uptick in otherwise shrinking global tablet sales.

Article Link: Foldable iPad Now in 'Intensive Development,' Could Be Announced as Soon as Next Year
The only reason for this would be to reinvigorate the ipad sales, personally I’am not a fan of iPad‘s & I don’t see how this would benefit the users
 
It solves the problem of having to use two separate devices, one of which is not pocketable, by having both a mini tablet and a phone in one pocketable device. It's not rocket science. I've been using them for the past 2.5 years and trust me, they get the job done. If they didn't, I wouldn't buy them.

Only for people that like to kid themselves! It’s neither a good phone or a good tablet
 
Which devices are you referring to that don't stay flat when opened? My partner and I have owned 4 foldable phones and did not observe this problem.

I mean that you can notice where it folds, the screen is uneven.

Look, I’m glad you can live with that but don’t try to convince me :) hopefully it will get better then I’ll consider it.

If people comment about the crease is for a reason.
 
It's funny how some of the same people who talk trash about foldables and also at the possibility of Apple releasing a foldable iPhone are some of the same people who can't wait for Apple to release a foldable iPad, which makes far less sense by comparison. You cannot make this stuff up!
Like who? Because it sounds like you are the one making stuff up. I think most people, like me, are put off all foldables because they hate the crease and have concerns about the resilience of electronic circuitry that is flexed repeatedly. Perhaps if two separate flat screens were joined by a precision hinge I might be more persuaded, but in any case the flexible screens should be saved for devices that have a static curve to them, like device worn on an arm such as a large bracelet (rather than a watch).
 
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