Apple's foldable MacBook could see a major delay
Apple fans are disappointed by the delay in the launch of a foldable MacBook. What's the reason? Most of the leading smartphone companies launched a variety of foldable smartphones over the summer, with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold being the latest addition to this year's lineup of foldable devices. But while Samsung is in its sixth generation of foldable phones, Apple has yet to launch a foldable iPhone.
Why is the foldable MacBook production delayed?
Reports continue to say that Apple is developing foldable iPhones, however Apple has specific requirements for the technology, one of which may be to make foldable devices with screens that do not have a noticeable crease when folded. Insiders also say that Apple may launch a foldable MacBook or iPad before it releases a foldable iPhone to the market.
The latest rumor about Apple's foldable device plans comes from reliable tipster Ming-Chi Kuo, whose latest supply chain checks show that a foldable MacBook has been delayed for several years due to various manufacturing issues that need to be addressed.
Kuo has posted an update to the information he shared a few months ago about Apple’s alleged foldable MacBook plans. It appears that Apple has decided on the final screen size for the device. The company has opted for the smaller 18.8-inch option over the larger 20.25-inch foldable MacBook design. However, the company has reportedly delayed mass production by several years, as due to technical challenges related to the display and mechanics, the mass production schedule for assembly has been pushed back from the first half of 2026 to the end of 2027 or 2028.
If this timeline is accurate, we won’t get a foldable MacBook until 2028, and that’s assuming Apple can deliver it by then. Kuo also noted that there won’t be a separate foldable iPad launching in 2025. The foldable MacBook and foldable iPad we’ve seen in rumors appear to be the same device. The analyst provided more information about Apple’s foldable MacBook ambitions in May than other reports, mentioning the alleged screen sizes Apple was considering, and that LG was Apple’s main manufacturing partner for a wrinkle-free foldable laptop.
At the time, Kuo said that Apple could start mass production in the fourth quarter of 2025 or the first half of 2026. Kuo also said that the foldable MacBook would be expensive, with the initial costs of the foldable panel and hinge being $600-650 and $200-250, respectively.
Foldable MacBook delayed due to high cost
Unless Apple can significantly improve yields and reduce costs ahead of mass production, the BOM cost of the foldable MacBook could approach that of the current Vision Pro, however given the more specific product positioning of the foldable MacBook, shipments are expected to be significantly higher than those of the Vision Pro.
Given Kuo's new comments, it seems like Apple is making little progress in improving yields and reducing costs. Kuo didn't mention what type of display Apple will use in the foldable MacBook. I assumed it would have to be an OLED panel and that we wouldn't get an OLED MacBook in stores before the foldable MacBook launches. Given Kuo's new comments, I now believe that the OLED MacBook may launch before the foldable variant is released.
The M4 iPad's Tandem OLED display technology sounds like the innovation Apple will use inside a foldable MacBook, but that's just speculation based on reports claiming Apple is working on all sorts of thin products, including MacBooks.
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