If you ask an Apple enthusiast what products they’d like to see from the company in the near future, they’ll likely mention a mixed reality headset or a device with a foldable screen. While the former became a reality with the launch of the Vision Pro headphones, Apple’s plans for a foldable device remain under wraps.
Now, according to noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple appears to be preparing to launch its first foldable device in 2027, but it might not be what you expect. Kuo said Apple is preparing to shake up the laptop market with the foldable 20-inch MacBook.
While we don’t have exact design details yet, Kuo mentioned that the screen measures around 20 inches diagonally when fully unfolded. While there’s no immediate sign of a foldable iPhone or iPad, it’s becoming clearer why Apple’s idea of a foldable MacBook, or whatever it ends up being called, makes sense.
Durability is less of an issue with large foldable form factors
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: durability. When it comes to foldable devices, durability has always been a top concern. Many users will not switch from traditional tablet smartphones to foldable smartphones because of durability. However, when it comes to laptops, the story is different.
Unlike smartphones, which need to be handled carefully to avoid drops, laptops are often placed in controlled environments and need to be treated with even more care. Think about your laptop – it doesn’t have an IP dust or water resistance rating like some phones. Generally speaking, people are more cautious about laptops than smartphones. This means that many of the durability issues that foldable technology faces on phones are less severe on laptops.
Furthermore, given that foldable laptops are still a few years away, it’s likely that foldable technology will continue to advance and current concerns about foldable screen durability may no longer be an issue by then.
Developing operating systems that work seamlessly with foldable devices is critical
When it comes to foldable devices, having the right software is crucial, and Apple excels here. Just look at the seamless integration between hardware and software across the Apple ecosystem. While Windows foldable devices already exist, and often cost a lot, they’ve had software issues and have failed to impress the public.
Imagine a foldable MacBook running macOS that transitions smoothly between traditional laptop mode and a tablet-like iPadOS experience by simply flipping the hinge. The potential is huge. This seamless experience, combined with Apple’s vast ecosystem of apps and services, could revolutionize the way we think about foldable devices. And, we often see that Apple may be late sometimes, but they always deliver high-quality products.
But let’s not get too carried away just yet. Ming-Chi Kuo said the foldable MacBook is still a few years away, so things could change. However, it’s worth noting that other sources such as display industry analyst Ross Young and Korean website The Elec have also hinted at the possibility of a 20-inch MacBook.
What do you think of the foldable MacBook? How could such a device prove valuable to you? Let us know in the comments section below!
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