Apple has reportedly been working on a foldable device for some time, but the company hasn’t given any official news. Since the original Samsung Galaxy Fold launched back in February 2019, Apple has been absent in what seems to be a popular industry of foldable devices. While most were predicting the tech giant to prioritize foldable phones, much like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip, an Apple analyst suggests a 20-inch foldable MacBook might be in the works too.
Apple wants to launch a foldable MacBook in 2027
While the specifics of the apparent upcoming device are unknown, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, one of the best-known analysts, reported that the foldable MacBook will have a 20.3-inch screen. Kuo has previously leaked major things like the Galaxy Note 9 having a fingerprint sensor. His most recent leak includes information about the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 cameras.
It’s unknown when foldable iPhones or iPads will start getting mass-produced, likely due to the display issues. However, the 20.3-inch foldable MacBook is “Apple’s only foldable product with a clear development schedule.” The company reportedly plans to have the 20.3-inch foldable MacBook to “enter mass production in 2027.”
This date would align with a previous report from DigiTimes stating that Apple is planning for its first foldable device to be “much larger” than an iPhone. There were also rumors of Apple’s first foldable device releasing in 2027. Since Kuo’s post and this 2027 tip align, the foldable MacBook might see the light of day before a foldable iPhone or iPad.
MacBooks might be getting bigger
This tip by Ming-Chi Kuo does reveal Apple’s plan of eventually releasing a 20-inch foldable MacBook. However, it also suggests that the company wants to introduce a larger MacBook than currently available.
The largest Apple laptop users can currently buy is the 16-inch MacBook Pro. While Apple previously offered a 17-inch MacBook Pro, it was discontinued in 2012, likely due to its poor sales. Since the foldable MacBook that Kuo reported on will have a screen measuring 20.3 inches diagonally, it’s unsure if it’ll see the same fate as the 17-inch discontinued MacBook Pro.
The MacBook might be designed so that half of the 20-inch foldable MacBook screen gets used as a keyboard. This design would make the foldable MacBook work as a 20-inch iPad when not folded. Alternatively, the MacBook might come with an attachable keyboard to ensure there’s something to differentiate it from an iPad.