William Gallagher
Technical challenges mean that Apple won't be able to launch a foldable MacBook Pro in 2025 as expected, says Ming-Chi Kuo, and it may not be out until late 2027 or 2028.
It's previously been rumored that Apple was working on an all-screen, foldable MacBook Pro, which would have a 20.3-inch display. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, though, the the project has been delayed by years — and the 20.3-inch version has been dropped.
Foldable MacBook survey update - mass production delayed significantly
— (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
While Kuo says that the final display size has been "confirmed at 18.8 inches," he gives no specific basis for this. He does, though, refer to his supply chain surveys for the rest of his report, in which he casts doubt on a folding iPad.
Kuo previously expected a foldable iPad to be launched in 2024. So did research firm CCS Insight, and seemingly even Samsung was predicting the same.
In his new report, Kuo refers to a prevailing belief that a foldable iPad would launch in 2025. He says there's no indication of that date or of any folding iPad.
He comments that this may "be because some call this foldable MacBook a foldable iPad." That would fit as presumably it will only be the software macOS that will distinguish an all-screen MacBook Pro from an all-screen iPad.
While Apple itself has of course not commented on future products it has filed multiple patents to do with research into folding displays. The most-often rumored result of which, though, is the expected iPhone Fold.
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23 Comments
Wait, I’ve been folding my MacBook Pros for as long as I can remember. Maybe I should get a patent for my idea. /s
We just need an iPad with MacOS, I still don't get the hold out.
So no real keyboard? People complained about the Touch Bar, so they got rid of it and now they will replace it with all screen on the MacBook Pro?