Apple is developing a foldable MacBook with a 20-inch screen

By Fionna Agomuoh February 21, 2022

Despite delays in the development of its foldable iPhone, a new report says Apple has set its sights on creating a “foldable notebook” with a massive 20-inch display.

The claim comes from fairly reputable Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) analyst Ross Young, who has been correct about future Apple products a number of times. If accurate, Apple could be looking to introduce “a new product category” of foldable laptops to its lineup.

Foldable Macbook concept image created by LunaDisplay. — LunaDisplay

The product, according to Young, could have a dual use as “a notebook with a full-size, on-screen keyboard when folded” and “a monitor when unfolded and used with an external keyboard.” In addition to the 20-inch display size, Apple is said to be considering screen resolutions of at least 4K, with higher options likely.

Recommended Videos

While there is no indication on what type of branding the Apple foldable notebook might have, many sources have associated it with the MacBook line due to the size of its display, more so than the iPad or other foldables on the market, which are much smaller by comparison. However, if Apple were to introduce a new product category with its foldable notebook, it is possible the company could reveal new branding as well.

Apple’s wouldn’t be the first large, foldable tablet of its kind. Asus is set to launch the first 17-inch foldable Windows tablet later this year, called the Zenbook 17 Fold. Samsung, the current leader in mobile gadgets with foldable screens, also previewed the Galaxy Flex Note at CES earlier this year.

A 20-inch screen would certainly be a first, though, and Young believes Apple’s interest in expanding foldables options in such a way is “good news” for the market.

The analyst said Apple is in no rush to release a foldable of any kind, with a potential launch timeline for the foldable notebook being sometime in 2026 or 2027. The foldable iPhone was once slated for a 2023 or 2024 release, but is now expected to launch sometime in 2025.

Another well-known Apple supply chain analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, claims that the foldable iPhone could sell up to 20 million units whenever it is released. Perhaps the time between now and a potential launch would drum up a similar interest in the foldable notebook.

Topics

Computing Writer

Fionna Agomuoh is a technology journalist with over a decade of experience writing about various consumer electronics topics…

Computing

Report: Apple’s 2024 MacBooks may face some serious shortages

Apple's John Ternus stands next to an image of the 15-inch MacBook Air at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2023.

Looking forward to getting a new MacBook in the next year or so? You might have to wait longer than expected, as Apple chip supplier TSMC is reportedly struggling to get enough skilled workers for its forthcoming Arizona factory. That could mean we see serious shortages of Apple laptops and a struggle to get hold of stock.

The bad news comes from The Wall Street Journal. According to the outlet, TSMC has said that “people with expertise erecting semiconductor facilities were in short supply in the U.S.” As a result, the Arizona factory “would miss its target of starting mass production next year.”

Computing

The M3 MacBook Pro may launch sooner than anyone expected

Fortnite running on a Macbook M1.

Earlier this week, we learned that Apple’s next batch of Macs loaded with M3 chips could be set to launch in the fall. Today, a fresh report claims they could arrive ahead of schedule -- but there are reasons to be doubtful.

The idea comes from a paywalled DigiTimes report (via MacRumors), which cites “industry sources” to claim that Apple will introduce a new MacBook Pro -- complete with a 3-nanometer Apple silicon chip that will boast improved performance and efficiency -- as soon as the third quarter of 2023. That quarter runs from July 1 until September 30.

Computing

M3 Macs may launch this year — with a surprising addition

Apple's 15-inch MacBook Air placed on a desk.

We’ve only just gotten a bunch of new Macs from Apple, with the 15-inch MacBook Air launching a mere one month ago alongside a slate of other Apple computers. Yet the company is already gearing up to release M3 Macs at a special event later this year, and they could be the biggest performance upgrade we’ve seen in years.

This idea comes from journalist Mark Gurman, who has correctly predicted many upcoming products and details in Apple’s lineup. In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman explains that, while there will be a whole heap of new devices arriving at an event in October, they won’t include Apple’s high-end laptops and desktops.