Apple is said to be developing a number of foldable devices, including a clamshell foldable iPhone, a foldable iPad, and an unspecified foldable product with a larger display that is rumored to be in development. However, new information suggests the company’s first foldable device could be a MacBook. A reliable Apple analyst claims that the Cupertino, California-based company is developing a foldable MacBook. The update comes after Apple reportedly halted development of its foldable phone last month.
Tianfeng Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday that MacBook is Apple’s only foldable product with a clear development plan. If true, this would further delay the rumored foldable iPhone and iPad. Kuo said the foldable Mac will be equipped with a 20.3-inch screen and may enter mass production in 2027.
“Recently, I’ve received a lot of inquiries about whether Apple plans to mass-produce foldable iPhones or iPads in 2025 or 2026,” Kuo said in the post. “My latest investigation shows that Apple’s only foldable product with a clear development timetable is the 20.3-inch MacBook, which is expected to enter mass production in 2027.”
I’ve been asked several times recently whether Apple plans to mass-produce a foldable iPhone or iPad in 2025 or 2026. My latest investigation shows that Apple’s only foldable product with a clear development schedule currently only comes with a 20.3-inch display and is expected to mass-produce MacBooks in 2027.
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Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about whether Apple plans to mass-produce…— Ming-Chi Kuo (@mingchikuo) March 7, 2024
New information suggests that Apple’s foldable product is still years away from being released. Meanwhile, Apple’s biggest rival in mobile, Samsung, has launched five generations of clamshell and book-style foldable phones. Google also released the Pixel Fold last year and is said to be developing a second-generation device.
Considering that all laptops are foldable in nature, there are currently no details on the so-called foldable MacBook, nor on how the folding mechanism will be integrated into the device. Apple has yet to confirm its plans for a foldable product. Recently, the company launched two new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models, both powered by its in-house M3 chipset.
A report last month claimed that Apple was developing a foldable device larger than the iPhone, which could indicate that a foldable Mac is in the works, consistent with Ming-Chi Kuo’s claims. The report claims that the large-screen foldable device may come in the form of a laptop or tablet.
Last month, a tipster also claimed that Apple had paused development of foldable phones due to issues with the folding display. But the company is reportedly developing a clamshell foldable phone and a foldable iPad, both of which are said to be in the early stages of development.