Apple “plays” to new heights? A peek at the top five features of the foldable MacBook

[Tinydeal Technology]For a long time, technology enthusiasts have placed high expectations on Apple’s first foldable MacBook, speculating about when and in which product line this innovative device would appear. Although many people firmly believe that Apple will eventually launch a foldable screen product, the specific time and product form have always been a mystery.

Rumors have suggested that Apple might launch a foldable iPhone as early as 2026, but official or reliable sources have never confirmed this news. Given the technological maturity and huge user base of foldable-screen phones on the market, the possibility of a foldable iPhone as the first product seems very high.

However, Apple seems to have chosen a different path. According to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s first foldable screen product is not a mobile phone, but a MacBook. What’s even more exciting is that LG will exclusively supply the screen for this foldable MacBook. Mass production is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with an official release possibly in the first quarter of 2026. This news undoubtedly adds new suspense and highlights to Apple’s folding screen strategy.

Next, Tinydealwill take everyone to deeply explore the five key features of this foldable MacBook.

design

The new MacBook will adopt a completely different design from the traditional MacBook. This computer features a large screen that folds in all directions, eliminating the traditional separation of the keyboard and display. When unfolded, users can use it as an efficient monitor with an external keyboard, mouse, or trackpad. Once folded, it transforms into a lightweight, easy-to-carry notebook. Notably, the new MacBook won’t include a physical keyboard. Instead, it will utilize advanced virtual keyboard technology with tactile feedback, offering users an almost real typing experience.

However, touch input may not be the most ideal choice when working with text for long periods. Imagine if you needed to use your mobile phone to type out a thousand-word article. I’m afraid most people would find this a rather daunting task. Voice input may seem like a viable alternative, but it is less effective in environments like outdoors, open offices, or conference rooms.

Voice input has not yet become a widely used method. The traditional keyboard remains the most popular input tool. As a result, PC manufacturers like Lenovo and Asus offer an independent keyboard accessory with their foldable screen laptops. This accessory attaches to the screen and connects seamlessly through magnetic contacts, providing an input experience similar to traditional laptops.

size

Industry-renowned display research analyst Ross Young and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predict that the foldable MacBook will feature an approximately 18.8-inch display, significantly larger than any product in Apple’s current product line.

According to reports, Apple paid special attention to the crease problem of the screen when designing this foldable MacBook. The company is using advanced technology and materials to minimize creases when the screen is unfolded. This will provide users with a smoother and more seamless visual experience. The design ensures user comfort and enhances the overall aesthetics of the product.

Compared to the 16-inch MacBook Pro, this foldable MacBook offers a larger display. Users will enjoy more screen space for work, entertainment, and study.

It’s worth noting that Apple released a 17-inch MacBook Pro in the past but discontinued it in 2012. If Apple successfully launches this foldable MacBook, it will set a new size record for the MacBook lineup and become an iconic product.

Screen

Apple is collaborating with LG Display to develop a cutting-edge foldable OLED panel. This panel offers excellent color performance and high contrast. It also optimizes the folding mechanism, ensuring durability and stability during frequent folding and unfolding.

In addition to OLED technology, Apple is exploring electronic paper display (EPD) technology. EPD has reflective ambient light properties, offering a clear and comfortable reading experience, even in strong outdoor light. Rumors suggest Apple may use EPD for the external screen or dual-screen design of the foldable MacBook.

Unlike traditional displays, OLED pixels emit light independently. This enhances the display quality and eliminates the need for a backlight system. As a result, the screen becomes thinner and lighter, allowing the MacBook to maintain high performance without sacrificing portability.

Given the larger screen size of this foldable MacBook, Apple is expected to equip it with a 5K or higher resolution display. The high-resolution display will bring users a more detailed and clear image and video experience.

M series chips

If the rumors are true and LG Display begins mass production of foldable MacBooks in late 2025, the product may launch by early 2026. This coincides with the release of Apple’s next-generation M5 chip, expected to be a powerful successor to the M4 chip in 2024.

Analyst Kuo’s forecast adds credibility to this speculation. He predicts that Apple will sell more than one million folding MacBooks in 2026.

Regarding the specific performance of the M5 chip, there is currently no precise official information. Based on industry trends and Apple’s technology, the M5 chip is expected to push new boundaries in manufacturing. Apple may produce it using the next-gen 3nm or even the advanced 2nm node. This means that the M5 chip will have higher integration, stronger performance, and lower power consumption.

The reduction in node size is an important breakthrough in the field of semiconductor manufacturing. It means a reduction in transistor size, allowing more transistors to be integrated into the processor. This technological breakthrough will directly promote the improvement of chip performance and energy efficiency.

price
Given the high-cost components expected for the foldable MacBook, analysts generally predict it will be priced close to Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro headset. Considering the current 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at $2,500, expect the larger foldable model to be more expensive.

To meet users’ expectations for a crease-free screen, Apple has set strict requirements for the design of panels and hinges. This has led to higher costs for these components. Preliminary estimates suggest the panel could cost between $600 and $650, while the hinges could cost between $200 and $250.

Apple’s folding screen technology patents reveal innovative designs beyond core components like panels and hinges. One notable patent features a spring layer embedded between the folding screen and the motherboard. This design aims to improve resistance to pressure and drops, offering a more stable and reliable experience. While these design investments will enhance performance, they could also increase manufacturing costs.

As production technology matures and yields improve, manufacturers are expected to reduce these costs in the future.

write at the end

Looking back on market history, Lenovo released its first foldable screen laptop, the ThinkPad X1 Fold, in 2020. ASUS, LG, and other manufacturers followed suit with similar products. However, these experimental devices didn’t receive much enthusiasm. Their high price, heavy body, and internal design limitations led to low performance. As a result, they couldn’t meet the needs of moderate to heavy creative work. This highlights the challenges the foldable MacBook will face in market competition and consumer expectations.

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