Apple plans to release a MacBook with a 20.25-inch foldable display in 2026, according to a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Apple has purportedly partnered with LG on the display panel and is also considering 18.8-inch panel. The larger panel would correspond to a 14 to 15-inch laptop; whereas, the smaller panel would correspond to a 13 to 14-inch device.
Previously, Kuo predicted Apple's foldable notebook would arrive in 2027; however, the analyst believes that target mass production for the panel and assembly is now 4Q25 and 1H26, respectively.
As you might expect, Apple is aiming for a crease-free panel, resulting in high panel and hinge costs.
Apple aims to make the panel as crease-free as possible, requiring high design specifications for both the panel and the hinge. As a result, the cost of the panel and hinge is very high. Current preliminary estimates put the panel and hinge costs at around $600–650 and $200–250, respectively. If production yields improve significantly by the time of mass production, these costs could decrease.
Amphenol is supplying the hinge for the device and LG is working closely with the company to address the crease issue.
The high cost of the display and hinge are likely to drive up the cost of the MacBook with Kuo suggesting that the BOM cost could approach that of the Vision Pro. However, the foldable MacBook would likely see significantly higher shipments than Vision Pro. Kuo forecasts over one million units shipped in 2026.
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[Concept]
Previously, Kuo predicted Apple's foldable notebook would arrive in 2027; however, the analyst believes that target mass production for the panel and assembly is now 4Q25 and 1H26, respectively.
As you might expect, Apple is aiming for a crease-free panel, resulting in high panel and hinge costs.
Apple aims to make the panel as crease-free as possible, requiring high design specifications for both the panel and the hinge. As a result, the cost of the panel and hinge is very high. Current preliminary estimates put the panel and hinge costs at around $600–650 and $200–250, respectively. If production yields improve significantly by the time of mass production, these costs could decrease.
Amphenol is supplying the hinge for the device and LG is working closely with the company to address the crease issue.
The high cost of the display and hinge are likely to drive up the cost of the MacBook with Kuo suggesting that the BOM cost could approach that of the Vision Pro. However, the foldable MacBook would likely see significantly higher shipments than Vision Pro. Kuo forecasts over one million units shipped in 2026.
Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for more MacBook updates!
[Concept]