Apple Delays Foldable MacBook, Shifts to Smaller Screen Design
Apple has decided to delay the release of its foldable MacBook, with mass production now anticipated to begin by late 2027 or 2028, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The decision comes as the company faces technical challenges with the device's components, including issues with the display and hinge mechanism. Originally planned to feature a 20.25-inch screen, the foldable MacBook will now come with an 18.8-inch display. The revised design aims to address the technical difficulties, but the reduced screen size and increased number of moving parts in the hinge mechanism are expected to contribute to potential failure points.
Despite previous rumors of a foldable iPad, Kuo confirmed that no such product exists in Apple's current plans. The company's focus remains on resolving the technical issues surrounding the foldable MacBook. The high cost of the components, estimated between $600 and $650 for the panel and $200 to $250 for the hinge, has also been a factor in the delays. While the foldable MacBook is still in development, there is no clear timeline for the release of other foldable Apple devices, such as the rumored foldable iPad.