Foldable MacBook Hits Development Roadblock. Apple Cancels Revolutionary Big Screen Design

Initially, Apple was rumoured to be considering a 20.25-inch display for the foldable MacBook.

Apple was developing a foldable MacBook, aiming to revolutionise its laptop lineup. Representative image.

Source : Apple

Apple was developing a foldable MacBook, aiming to revolutionise its laptop lineup. However, recent insights from famed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that the project is facing setbacks. The company is grappling with technical hurdles related to the device's components, potentially pushing back the launch by over a year. Initially, Apple was rumoured to be considering a 20.25-inch display for the foldable MacBook.

Apple Scraps Bigger Display Design

However, Kuo's latest market survey indicates that the bigger design has been scrapped in favour of an 18.8-inch panel. This adjustment could result in a 14-inch laptop when folded, slightly smaller than the originally speculated size. The mass production timeline for the foldable MacBook has also been affected. Previously anticipated to begin in early 2026, Kuo now estimates that production might not commence until late 2027 or even 2028. This delay is attributed to challenges with both the display technology and mechanical components of the device.

"Foldable MacBook survey update - mass production delayed significantly 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 pushed back from 1H26 to the end of 2027 or 2028. 3. Some market participants previously expected Apple to launch the foldable iPad in 2025, but the current supply chain survey indicates that the foldable iPad has no visibility. This may also be because some call this foldable MacBook a foldable iPad," the Apple analyst posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Foldable MacBook survey update - mass production delayed significantly
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

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) August 22, 2024

While the foldable MacBook project continues to progress, albeit slower than expected, the status of Apple's rumored foldable iPad remains uncertain. Earlier reports had suggested a potential 2025 release for a foldable tablet, but Kuo's recent survey yielded no new information on this front.