Apple Has Likely Abandoned 'iPad Ultra' Plans

Reports suggest Apple has canceled plans for a foldable "iPad Ultra" due to poor iPad Pro sales. A Weibo leaker stated the iPad is excluded from an upcoming "Ultra" device lineup, citing weak market performance for the iPad Pro. iPad Pro shipments have been significantly cut due to weaker-than-expected demand following its M4 launch earlier this year. Analysts attribute this sluggish reception partly to the high price point, deterring buyers who view tablets as secondary devices. iPad revenue has declined for three consecutive years, making up a small percentage of Apple's total revenue. However, a 20-inch foldable iPad project is reportedly still in development and considered a priority by John Ternus. This ambitious project has faced engineering challenges, pushing its potential launch to 2029 or later. Prototypes were heavy, weighing around 3.5 pounds, and the device could have been priced as high as $3,900. There's also been internal debate on whether it would be classified as an iPad or an all-display MacBook. These developments occur as Apple is rumored to expand its "Ultra" branding to other products like a foldable iPhone and a MacBook Ultra. Given the iPad Pro's current sales issues, the viability of an even more expensive iPad Ultra remains questionable.