Apple could introduce a foldable iPad in 2021

Apple was also said to be working on a foldable iPhone. <br>Image source: Patently Apple

While Huawei and Samsung are going to launch their foldable phones later this year, Apple is expected to launch its first foldable product in 2021.

According to UBS, Samsung will dominate intellectual property filings for foldable display and device technologies, thus leading the way for foldable adoption in the smartphone space. However, Apple is also making progress in this space and its first foldable product could arrive in 2020 although "2021 is more likely". The first foldable Apple product is also said to be an iPad, not an iPhone.

IHS Markit claimed last month that Apple is working on a foldable iPad with 5G connectivity. The foldable display panel could be supplied by Samsung as ETNews reported in March that the South Korean company has provided samples to the iPad maker.

Apple has filed patents for a foldable iPhone that can be "opened and closed like a book", and a folding iPhone design with flexible hinge. LG Display is also rumored to be a key partner of Apple; it reportedly assembled a taskforce to develop the foldable OLED panel for Apple.

Source: CNBC via 9to5mac