Apple’s 20.25-Inch Foldable MacBook Scrapped, New 18.8-Inch Version in Development with Production Delays

Apple has reportedly abandoned the development of its 20.25-inch foldable MacBook and is now focusing on a revised 18.8-inch version. The change in direction comes with a delay in mass production, pushing the potential launch to the end of 2027 or 2028 due to technical challenges.

The 20.25-inch model, once the primary foldable device in development, has been canceled, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo notes that Apple is facing difficulties in both the mechanical design and display technology for the foldable MacBook, leading to the decision to work on a smaller 18.8-inch version instead. These complications have caused the production timeline to be pushed back from its initial target of H1 2026 to a new estimated timeframe of late 2027 or 2028.

One of the main challenges Apple faces is how to eliminate the visibility of the crease when the foldable MacBook is fully opened. The Cupertino-based company is known for its meticulous design standards, and the foldable MacBook is no exception. The development team is likely working tirelessly to ensure that the final product meets Apple’s high expectations.

The hinge mechanism, a critical component in any foldable device, presents another set of challenges. The complex design with numerous moving parts increases the potential for failure, necessitating repeated adjustments and revisions by Apple’s engineers. These ongoing modifications contribute to the delay in the device’s mass production.

In addition to these issues, Kuo has clarified that there is no foldable iPad in the works, as some rumors had suggested. The confusion may have stemmed from the belief that the foldable MacBook and foldable iPad were the same product, but that is not the case.

There is no mention of a foldable iPhone in Kuo’s latest report, which suggests that such a device may still be far from reaching the market. For now, it seems that a foldable MacBook will precede any new form factor iPhone.

As the development continues, Apple enthusiasts will have to wait until the end of this decade to see if the foldable MacBook becomes a reality. In the meantime, the tech world will keep a close eye on Apple’s progress and any updates related to this ambitious project.