Apple's All-Screen Foldable MacBook: What We Know So Far

Apple is experimenting with various devices with foldable displays, including a MacBook. You might immediately want to point out that the MacBook is already foldable, but what we're talking about is an all-display MacBook form factor that has no standard keyboard. Rumors are mixed on whether Apple's larger-screened foldable device is a MacBook or an iPad, and it will likely depend on the operating system that Apple uses for the device.

Form Factor

Apple is rumored to be working on a foldable large-screened device, which would have an all-display design. A single large screen would be able to be folded in half, and the device would be dual-use. It would serve as a notebook when folded in half, and could be used as a monitor when paired with an external keyboard.

Alternatively, Apple could create a foldable display with a physical keyboard, which would allow for a taller vertical display that would fold down into a compact package. We explore the different display possibilities in our dedicated foldable MacBook article.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that LG will produce display panels for a MacBook with a 20.2-inch or 18.8-inch foldable screen in the fourth quarter of 2025, but it seems unlikely that any such product is ready to launch in the near future.

Display research analyst Ross Young says that Apple will use an 18.8-inch display for the device. Apple is aiming to make the display "as crease-free as possible" when it is unfolded.

Display Technology

Apple is rumored to be working with LG Display to develop a foldable OLED display panel that could be used for future foldable MacBook and ‌iPad‌ devices. LG Display is developing technology that would use an ultra-thin cover glass, an upgrade over the polyimide material that current foldable displays use.

Other rumors have said that Apple will use displays from Samsung for its foldable device.

Apple also is testing electronic paper display (EPD) technology that could be used in future foldable devices, according to Apple analyst ‌Ming-Chi Kuo‌. Apple could use color EPD displays from Chinese company E Ink, as this technology would be much more energy efficient than other forms of display technology.

Display Size

According to recent rumors, Apple is developing an 18.8-inch OLED foldable display that could be destined for a future foldable.

Digital Keyboard

The foldable MacBook will presumably have an on-screen keyboard with digital keys rather than a physical keyboard, with Apple perhaps employing haptic feedback for key feel. Apple already uses haptic feedback for the trackpad on the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro to simulate a click, so something similar could be used for an all-display device.

Resolution

At the ~19-inch size that Apple is experimenting with, the foldable notebook could have a 4K or higher resolution.

Cost

Apple's large-screened foldable device could be up to three times more expensive than the 13-inch iPad Pro, which is priced at $1,299.

iOS or macOS?

Analyst Jeff Pu believes the foldable device that Apple is working on will be a MacBook-iPad hybrid with a touch-based screen and support for macOS. Apple has said that it does not plan to make a touchscreen Mac or to merge iOS and macOS, but it's possible the companies plans have changed. Apple is making design changes in iOS 19 and macOS 16 that will better unify the design, so a touchscreen Mac isn't out of the question.

Release Date

Display analyst Ross Young said in July 2022 that Apple could bring some kind of foldable notebook to market in 2026 or 2027, and it is as of yet unclear if such a device would be classified as a Mac, an ‌iPad‌, or something in between.

Apple analyst ‌Ming-Chi Kuo‌ said in 2024 that Apple would introduce a 18.8-inch foldable MacBook in late 2025 to early 2026, but he later said that it was delayed until at least 2027, and then updated his launch prediction to 2028. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said in October 2025 that the large-screened foldable device had been delayed until 2029 because of issues with display cost and the weight of the device, but a foldable of some kind is still planned.