Apple is poised to begin mass production of two foldable devices in the latter half of 2026, with expectations for a launch by late 2026 or early 2027. One of these devices will feature an expansive 18.8-inch display, while the other will be a book-style foldable smartphone similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, featuring a 7.8-inch inner screen. Analyst Jeff Pu from GF Securities has shed some light on the larger device, speculating that it will run macOS rather than iPadOS.
This insight hints that the 18.8-inch model is more likely to be classified as a MacBook. The emerging design of the foldable MacBook could be groundbreaking, as it may be the first touchscreen Mac that lacks a dedicated physical QWERTY keyboard. The device’s capability to fold like a laptop increases its plausibility as a MacBook variant, rather than being viewed as an iPad.
Furthermore, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has indicated that iOS 19 and macOS 16 are being developed to support new hardware, paving the way for foldable products and touchscreen Macs. Despite both devices entering mass production simultaneously, it appears the foldable MacBook will be the first Apple foldable to debut. Apple has historically hesitated to dive into the foldable market due to concerns about screen durability.
A foldable MacBook lessens the risk of wear and tear from being pocketed, an issue that has plagued other foldable devices. In early 2024, Apple reportedly analyzed competitor foldable phones, including those from Samsung, to learn about the technology. They faced challenges, such as display breakdowns during testing, which highlighted durability concerns.
Apple is also working on resolving the crease issue, a common defect in foldable screens. Although entry into the foldable market may not solve high pricing challenges, estimates suggest that the foldable MacBook might carry a price tag around $3,500, while the foldable iPhone could range from $2,000 to $2,500.