Malcolm Owen
After years of rumors, Apple's all-screen folding MacBook Pro may be getting closer to reality, could be offered in multiple sizes, and may arrive sooner than expected.
The folding MacBook, which could resemble a large iPad with a foldable mid section, may be a few years away from release. Even so, Apple is preparing its supply chain for its production.
In a Thursday supply chain report from Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is considering a 20.25-inch display option. However, it may also use an 18.8-inch display panel as well.
In theory, the sizes would correspond to the equivalent physical sizing of a 13-inch and 14-inch notebook. This would give Apple two size options, matching the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro lines.
LG Display is thought to be the exclusive panel provider, with mass production scheduled for Q4 20245 and the first half of 2026. This is slightly earlier than previous 2027 predictions.
The foldable models are also expected by Kuo to use the M5 series chips.
Apple is aiming to use crease-free panels which requires a higher specification design, both for the panel and hinge mechanism. This could increase the cost for the panel and hinge to around $600 to $650 for the screen, $200 to $250 for the hinge, unless yields improve.
LGD is handling panel development duties for Apple, while Amphenol is dealing with the hinge.
With the unique display and hinge systems, the cost of the foldable MacBook to consumers could end up being very expensive. Kuo offers that the bill of materials for a foldable MacBook could reach that of the Apple Vision Pro.
Kuo adds that Apple expects shipments for the foldable MacBook to be considerably higher than the headset, possibly exceeding 1 million units in 2026.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
48 Comments
Hmmm, no thanks. Not for me. Could be good for the iPad crowd though.
I don't get it. What is this for? Why would Apple make this? Why would people buy it?
mmmm..a giant version of the unpopular Touch Bar ! Great thinking!
Hard to imagine this being true. Too much of a gimmick.
Still seems like a niche market that is much smaller than either the iPad or MacBook market. A foldable iPhone or iPad makes more sense but I am not a fan of those either but at least I can see the use case.