Apple Folds! MacBook With Creaseless Display Coming in 2026?
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Image: Ming-Chi Kuo / medium |
Apple fans rejoice! According to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the wait for foldable Apple devices is almost over. In the past, an industry
source over in Korea also points to an upcoming foldable iPhone of around 7-8 inches display. Now, Kuo, known for his accurate predictions about Apple products, has revealed details about the upcoming foldable MacBook in a
recent article on medium.
Here's the inside on Apple's foldable future:
- Two sizes to choose from
According to Ming-chi Kuo's latest article, Apple is considering a foldable device with different screen sizes produced by LG Display (LGD). The larger option has a 20.25-inch display, while the smaller option measures 18.8 inches. It's unclear whether Apple chose the larger or smaller one. When folded, these sizes translate to a laptop-like form factor of 14-15 inches and 13-14 inches, respectively.
- Foldable Powerhouse一Powered with M5 Chipset
The device is expected to be equipped with a powerful M5 series processor, which ensures smooth multitasking and demanding workflows.
- Production on the horizon
Kuo reports that mass production of panels and assembly is expected for late 2025 (Q425) and first half of 2026 (1H26), respectively. This is a significant advance over earlier estimates suggesting a 2027 launch.
- The Searching of crease-free folds
Apple is prioritizing crease-free displays, resulting in a complex and expensive design. An initial estimate by the analyst is that the panel and hinge alone could cost around $850-$900, with the panel costing $600-$650 and the hinge $200-$250. However, he added that these costs could come down if productivity improves.
- Premium price tag
With such high-end components, this foldable won't come cheap. If the above estimates are correct, the price of the foldable MacBook will compete with the current top-of-the-line Mac, the Vision Pro. However, Apple may be targeting a specific market segment willing to pay a premium for this advanced technology. The analyst forecasts shipments to exceed 1 million units in 2026, suggesting strong demand for Apple's foldable revolution.