In the foldable product launch schedule, Apple’s foldable MacBook with a 20.25-inch display was considered the only device under developmentbut that too has been canceled. Instead, one analyst predicts the company is working on a redesigned model with a smaller 18.8-inch screen. Unfortunately, a spate of complications only means that the launch of this particular model will be delayed.
Mass production of redesigned foldable MacBook delayed to late 2027 or 2028 due to ‘technical challenges’
While the competition continues to launch new foldable smartphones, Apple has consistently bucked the trend, with TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claiming that the screen size of the foldable MacBook has been revised. Kuo doesn’t mention why Apple ditched the 20.25-inch version, but it likely has to do with various technical complications. The analyst claims in X that issues on the mechanical and display side mean that mass production of the 18.8-inch foldable MacBook has been delayed from its previous estimated timeframe of H1 2026.
Instead, the machine is rumored to enter mass production by the end of 2027 and 2028, assuming Apple runs out of development hurdles. Given the Cupertino company’s penchant for releasing products with near-perfect designs, the biggest hurdle the company may not overcome would be how to eliminate the visibility of the crease when the foldable MacBook is fully unfolded. LG was previously reported to have Apple’s original panel supplierbut there is no update on how to deal with this technical failure.
Foldable MacBook Research Update – Mass Production Significantly Delayed
1. Final screen size specification confirmed at 18.8 inches. Apple has canceled the 20.25-inch design.
2. Due to technical challenges with the display and mechanics, the mass production schedule for the assembly was… https://t.co/mPviHVeK0x– 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) August 22, 2024
Additionally, the multitude of moving parts present in the hinge mechanism will result in increased points of failure, forcing Apple’s design and engineering teams to repeatedly adjust the assembly, causing ongoing delays. Kuo also erases the confusion about the launch of a foldable iPad by saying that the current supply chain shows that such a product does not exist. He assumes that individuals may have believed that the foldable MacBook and foldable iPad were the exact same product, but that is not the case.
The latest post doesn’t mention anything about a foldable iPhone, suggesting that development may be in limbo. In short, it’s possible that we’ll see the launch of a foldable MacBook before Apple tries to enter a new form factor category for iPhones.
News source: Ming-Chi Kuo