Apple Abandons 20.25-Inch Foldable MacBook, Analyst Says Company Is Working On A Revised 18.8-Inch Version, With Mass Production Postponed

On the foldable product launch timeline, Apple’s foldable MacBook bearing a 20.25-inch display was said to be the only device in development, but it too has been canceled. Instead, one analyst predicts that the company is working on a redesigned model sporting a smaller 18.8-inch screen. Unfortunately, a wave of complications only means that the launch of this particular model will be delayed.

Mass production of redesigned foldable MacBook has been postponed to the end of 2027 or 2028 due to ‘technical challenges’

Where the competition continues to roll out new foldable smartphones, Apple has consistently bucked the trend, with TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stating that the foldable MacBook’s display size has been revised. Kuo does not mention why Apple has abandoned the 20.25-inch version, but it likely has to do with various technical complications. The analyst states on X that issues on the mechanical and display side of things mean that mass production of the 18.8-inch foldable MacBook has been pushed back from its previous estimated H1 2026 period.

Instead, the machine is rumored to enter mass production by the end of 2027 and 2028, assuming Apple has no further development roadblocks. Given the Cupertino firm’s propensity for releasing products with a near-flawless design, the biggest hurdle that the company may not overcome would be how to eliminate the visibility of the crease when the foldable MacBook is completely unfolded. LG was previously reported to be Apple’s original panel supplier, but there is no update on countering this technical blemish.

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

Additionally, the multitude of moving parts present in the hinge mechanism will result in increased failure points, prompting Apple’s design and engineering teams to tweak the assembly repeatedly, causing continuous delays. Kuo also erases the confusion over a foldable iPad launch by saying that the current supply chain shows no such product exists. He assumes that individuals might have believed that the foldable MacBook and foldable iPad were the exact product, but that is not the case.

The latest post mentions nothing about a foldable iPhone, hinting that development might be in limbo. In short, it is possible that we will witness a foldable MacBook launch before Apple attempts to enter a new form factor category for iPhones.

News Source: Ming-Chi Kuo