Foldable MacBook: Apple’s Most Ambitious Project Faces Major Setbacks
- Apple's foldable MacBook might be a no-show until 2028—but what’s keeping it locked in the secretive Apple lab?
- Do you have the upcoming foldable iPhone on your wishlist? Don’t hold your breath; Apple’s got other plans.
- New details leak about Apple’s foldable future, but it’s not all good news.
Apple's foldable ambitions have been the subject of tech gossip for years, but while competitors like Samsung and Google are rolling out foldable smartphones, Apple remains in the waiting room. The tech giant is still working on its first foldable device, but don't hold your breath for a foldable iPhone anytime soon.
Unless Apple can significantly improve yields and reduce costs before mass production, the BOM cost of the foldable MacBook could approach that of the current Vision Pro. However, due to the more defined product positioning of the foldable MacBook, the shipments are expected to be significantly higher than those of the Vision Pro.— Ming-Chi Kuo
The latest whispers from the Apple supply chain suggest that the company's first foldable gadget might not be a phone at all. Instead, the buzz is around a foldable MacBook or iPad hybrid. According to well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this highly anticipated device has hit a few roadblocks, causing Apple to push its release date far into the future.
Foldable MacBook survey update - mass production delayed significantly
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) August 22, 2024
1. Final display size spec confirmed at 18.8 inches. Apple has canceled the 20.25-inch design.
2. Due to technical challenges with the display and mechanical, the assembly mass production schedule has been… https://t.co/mPviHVeK0x
Kuo’s most recent update reveals that Apple had initially planned to begin mass production of the foldable MacBook in 2026. However, this timeline has now been pushed back to late 2027 or even 2028. The delay is reportedly due to “technical challenges” related to the display and mechanical components, crucial elements for a foldable device.
Photo via AppleInsider // A mockup image of what a foldable MacBook might look like.
Interestingly, Kuo notes that Apple has settled on a smaller, 18.8-inch screen size for its foldable MacBook, abandoning a previously rumored 20.25-inch version. This decision appears to be part of the company's ongoing refinement of the device’s design and functionality. The foldable MacBook, when it finally arrives, is expected to be a versatile device that can function as a full-screen laptop or be folded into a more traditional laptop form factor.
The idea of a foldable MacBook has been floating around for a while, with previous reports suggesting that it could also serve as a foldable iPad. However, Kuo's update indicates that these are likely the same device, rather than separate products. This consolidation makes sense as Apple aims to create a single foldable device that can bridge the gap between its MacBook and iPad lines.
When it comes to the iPhone, Apple seems to be taking an even more cautious approach. Despite a flurry of patents and rumors about an "iPhone Flip," there’s little concrete evidence to suggest that a foldable iPhone will hit the market before 2028. Apple appears to be prioritizing the foldable MacBook, possibly due to the technical challenges and higher stakes involved in launching a foldable iPhone.
Due to technical challenges with the display and mechanical, the assembly mass production schedule has been pushed back from 1H26 to the end of 2027 or 2028— Ming-Chi Kuo
Adding to the intrigue, Kuo’s report highlights that Apple is likely to use an OLED panel for the foldable MacBook, similar to the M4 iPad's Tandem OLED screen technology. This would allow for a more flexible, durable display, which is crucial for a foldable device. However, this is still speculative, as Apple has yet to confirm any details about the type of display it will use.
Cost is another significant hurdle. Early estimates suggest that the foldable panel and hinge alone could cost between $800 and $900. This could push the overall price of the foldable MacBook close to that of Apple’s Vision Pro, making it a premium product aimed at a niche market. Nevertheless, Kuo believes that the foldable MacBook’s more defined product positioning could lead to higher sales compared to the Vision Pro, provided Apple can overcome the current technical challenges and reduce production costs.
This prolonged delay raises questions about whether Apple can still lead in the foldable device market. As companies like Samsung and Google continue to refine their foldable phones, Apple’s competition is getting stronger. Devices like the Honor Magic V2 and the OnePlus Open are already setting high standards, leaving Apple with a shrinking window to make a significant impact.
In the end, Apple’s foldable journey is turning out to be much slower and more complex than many had hoped. While the idea of a foldable MacBook or iPad is exciting, the reality is that we may be waiting until the end of the decade to see it. And as for that foldable iPhone? It remains a dream, for now, stuck somewhere in Apple’s vast pipeline of innovation.
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