Apple's Upcoming Foldable MacBook: Two Potential Screen Sizes, High Costs, and Early Release Predictions

Cupertino, California United States of America
Apple is working on a foldable MacBook with two potential screen sizes: 20.25 inches and 18.8 inches.
Apple's goal of a crease-free design requires high design specifications for both the panel and the hinge.
The cost of producing these foldable panels and hinges is high due to the need for a crease-free design.
The first all-screen MacBook with a foldable display was initially predicted to launch in 2027, but recent reports suggest that Apple may bring it to market earlier.
The production of foldable panels will start during Q4 2025, with assembly beginning during H1 2026.
Apple's Upcoming Foldable MacBook: Two Potential Screen Sizes, High Costs, and Early Release Predictions

Apple, the tech giant known for its innovative products, is reportedly working on a new addition to its MacBook line: a foldable laptop. According to various sources, Apple is considering two different screen sizes for this device: 20.25 inches and 18.8 inches (rounded to 18.76 inches). When folded, these sizes correspond to laptops with displays ranging from 14-15 inches to a more compact 13-14 inches.

Apple's decision on the screen size comes as it works with LG Display as its exclusive supplier for the foldable panels. The production of these panels is predicted to start during Q4 2025, with assembly beginning during H1 2026. Powering this new MacBook will be Apple's M5 chip, which has not yet been officially released by the company.

The cost of producing these foldable panels and hinges is high due to the need for a crease-free design. The panel alone is estimated to cost around $600-$650 per unit, while each hinge costs approximately $200-$250. However, if yields improve during mass production, these costs could potentially decrease.

Apple's goal of a crease-free design for the foldable MacBook is a significant challenge that requires high design specifications for both the panel and the hinge. This focus on quality comes with a price tag that is expected to exceed current MacBook models, making it an expensive investment.

The first all-screen MacBook with a foldable display was initially predicted to launch in 2027, but recent reports suggest that Apple may bring it to market earlier. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo now estimates that the device could enter mass production in Q4 2025 and start shipping in 2026.

The foldable MacBook is not the only innovative product Apple is rumored to be working on. Reports indicate that the company is also developing a folding iPad and at least two folding iPhone prototypes, which are still in their early stages of development.



Confidence

70%

Doubts
  • Are there any non-confidential sources that can confirm Apple's plans for a foldable MacBook?

Sources

96%

  • Unique Points
    • Apple is rumored to release a foldable MacBook with a 20-inch display in 2026.
    • Apple is also considering an 18.8-inch panel for the foldable MacBook.
  • Accuracy
    • The foldable MacBook, when closed, will look similar to a 14- to 15-inch MacBook with a 20-inch display.
    • Apple is developing an all-screen foldable laptop with a goal of providing a crease-free design.
    • Apple is considering two different screen sizes for its foldable MacBook: 20.25 inches and 18.8 inches.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

96%

  • Unique Points
    • Apple is developing an all-screen foldable laptop with a goal of providing a crease-free design.
    • Ming-Chi Kuo reports Apple’s all-screen MacBook may launch in 2026 instead of 2027.
    • The all-screen MacBook is expected to receive an M5-series chip.
  • Accuracy
    • Apple is rumored to release a foldable MacBook with a 20-inch display in 2026.
    • Apple is working with LG Display to make the folding screen as 'crease-free as possible'.
    • The production of the foldable panels will start during Q4 2025, with assembly beginning during H1 2026.
    • Apple aims to make the panel as crease-free as possible and each panel is expected to cost $600-$650 per unit.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

97%

  • Unique Points
    • Apple is considering two different screen sizes for its foldable MacBook: 20.25 inches and 18.8 inches.
    • LG Display will be the exclusive supplier of the foldable screens for Apple’s foldable MacBook.
    • The production of the foldable panels will start during Q4 2025, with assembly beginning during H1 2026.
    • The foldable MacBook will be powered by the M5 chip, which has not been officially released by Apple yet.
  • Accuracy
    • The foldable MacBook is predicted to be expensive and shipments are expected to exceed those of the Vision Pro with over 1 million units shipped in 2026.
    • Apple is working on a foldable MacBook
    • Ming-Chi Kuo estimates mass production in Q4 2025 and shipping in 2026
    • LG is Apple’s exclusive panel supplier for the foldable MacBook
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

96%

  • Unique Points
    • Apple aims to make the panel as crease-free as possible with high design specifications for both the panel and hinge.
    • The first foldable MacBook is expected to use a next-gen M5 chip.
  • Accuracy
    • Apple is working on a foldable MacBook
    • The first foldable MacBook is expected to use a next-gen M5 chip
    • Apple aims to make the panel as crease-free as possible with high design specifications for both the panel and hinge
    • The cost of the foldable MacBook could be high due to crease-free design requirements
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

96%

  • Unique Points
    • Apple's foldable-display MacBook will have an 18.76-inch display.
    • Apple has decided to go with a slightly smaller display size than originally planned.
    • Ross Young, an expert in displays, confirmed the change in screen size.
  • Accuracy
    • Apple is considering two different screen sizes for its foldable MacBook: 20.25 inches and 18.8 inches.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The author expresses his personal opinion about the prospect of an all-display MacBook and whether the lack of a physical keyboard and trackpad would be a dealbreaker. This is an appeal to audience as it attempts to elicit a response from readers.
    • I'm not sold on the prospect of an all-display MacBook, at least as the Mac exists today.
    • Is Apple capable of building an all-screen Mac that would get you excited about the product? Is the lack of physical keyboard and trackpad a dealbreaker?
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication