Apple’s first folding screen laptop could launch in 2026, priced the same as Vision Pro glasses.
In an article on his personal page, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities said that Apple’s folding MacBook could be mass produced in the first quarter of 2026, a year earlier than previously predicted.
The panel on the product is expected to be produced in the fourth quarter of 2025, exclusively supplied by LG Display. According to Kuo, Apple is considering using an 18.8-inch screen instead of 20.25 inches, with folded dimensions of 13-14 inches and 14-15 inches respectively.
On social network X, analyst Ross Young from Display Supply Chain Consultants also shared similar information. Accordingly, the folding screen MacBook will have a size of 18.76 inches, not 20.25 inches for “cost reasons”.
Regarding hardware, the folding screen MacBook can be equipped with an M5 processor chip. According to 9to5Mac, this is reasonable information because the M4 chip is expected to appear on all Mac computers by the end of 2025.
Kuo emphasized that Apple’s goal is to design a screen without creases, requiring high specifications for the panel and hinge.
“Current preliminary estimates suggest that the production costs of the panel and hinge are around $600-650, and $200-250, respectively,” the analyst said.
In addition to LG Display producing screens, Amphenol is the exclusive hinge development partner for Apple. According to Kuo, the display and hinge need a high level of integration to solve the crease problem.
“Based on experience, Apple often only cooperates with one manufacturer to focus resources on solving production problems due to new designs. For example, the telephoto camera on iPhone 15 Pro Max was developed with cooperation of LGIT (module) and Largan (lens),” Kuo added.
With high screen and hinge costs, Kuo predicts the folding MacBook will be expensive. Unless Apple can improve productivity and reduce costs before starting the production line, the price of the folding MacBook could be on par with the current Vision Pro.
However, as the customer positioning of the folding MacBook is more clearly defined, Kuo said that device sales in 2026 will exceed the 1 million mark, significantly higher than the Vision Pro.
This is not the first time rumors about a folding screen MacBook have appeared. According to MacRumors, the device is expected to integrate screens for the top and bottom covers with a virtual keyboard, although the detailed design has not been revealed.
