Apple enthusiasts eager for the much-anticipated Apple foldable MacBook might need to wait longer than expected. The tech giant’s innovative laptop, initially rumored for a 2026 release, is now facing significant delays. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the foldable MacBook’s production timeline has been pushed back due to ongoing technical challenges, with a potential launch now anticipated as late as 2028.
Key Points:
- Foldable MacBook Delayed: The foldable MacBook’s release could be postponed to 2027 or 2028, a delay of over a year from earlier estimates.
- Display Challenges: Apple is reportedly struggling with technical issues related to the foldable display and mechanical components, prompting the delay.
- Design Changes: Apple has decided to drop its plans for a 20.25-inch display, opting instead for a smaller 18.8-inch screen.
- Foldable iPad Uncertainty: No new details have emerged about the rumored foldable iPad, initially speculated for a 2025 release.
The Delay: What Caused It?
Ming-Chi Kuo, a prominent analyst at TF Securities International, shared insights from his recent market survey, highlighting the reasons behind the delay. Apple’s foldable MacBook has encountered significant technical issues, particularly with the display and mechanical components. These problems have reportedly forced Apple to reconsider its timeline, pushing the device’s mass production date from early 2026 to potentially late 2027 or 2028.
Display and Design Changes
Apple’s foldable MacBook was initially rumored to feature a large 20.25-inch display, but Kuo’s latest update reveals a shift in design. The tech giant has now abandoned the larger screen in favor of a smaller 18.8-inch display. This change will result in a foldable laptop that offers a 13-inch or 14-inch screen when folded.
The decision to downsize the display reflects the challenges Apple faces in developing a foldable device. Technical difficulties with the display technology and the mechanical components required for folding have been central to the delay. Additionally, the high costs associated with these components could also be a factor, with the display alone estimated to cost between $600 and $650 and the hinge between $200 and $250.
The Foldable iPad: Still a Mystery
In addition to the foldable MacBook, there have been persistent rumors about a foldable iPad, speculated for a 2025 release. However, Kuo’s recent analysis offers no new details about this device, leaving its status uncertain. The absence of updates from Apple’s supply chain suggests that a foldable iPad may not be on the immediate horizon. Some analysts even speculate that the rumored foldable iPad could have been confused with the foldable MacBook, leading to mixed reports about the two devices.
Potential Market Impact
Despite the delays and technical challenges, the foldable MacBook remains a highly anticipated product. Kuo suggests that demand for the device could still be strong, with projected shipments exceeding 1 million units by 2026. However, the high cost of components and the potential price point, which could align with Apple’s premium Vision Pro, might make this device a niche product.
As Apple continues to refine its foldable technology, the industry is watching closely to see how the company overcomes these challenges. The foldable MacBook, when it eventually launches, could set a new standard for portable computing, but for now, tech enthusiasts will need to remain patient.
With the foldable MacBook’s release potentially years away, Apple’s timeline for entering the foldable market remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the device’s eventual debut could mark a significant milestone in the evolution of laptops and tablets.
