Foldable MacBook with crease-free screen and M5 chip reportedly coming in 2026

Top insider Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a foldable MacBook might launch in 2026 as Apple ramps up this project's development. While this device was previously rumored to be announced in 2027, it seems Cupertino is going all-in with foldable products. More specifically, Apple targets mass production for the panel and assembly in 4Q25 and 1H26.

According to the analyst, LG Display will manufacture the exclusive 20.25-inch panel. In addition, Apple is considering a smaller model with an 18.8-inch display. Kuo says that this device, in its folded form factor, would correspond to the design of 14-15" and 13-14" laptops, respectively.

To differentiate from competitors, Apple is working on a panel as crease-free as possible. With that, the analyst believes the cost of this display and hinge could be 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," notes Kuo.

The analyst reiterates that this device will likely be expensive but unlikely Apple Vision Pro, which didn't sell as much as Apple predicted; he believes this foldable MacBook could be a success, with shipments estimated to exceed one million units in 2026.

Kuo says Apple might be planning the M5 chip for this foldable MacBook. Current reports expect Apple to focus on the M4 family until mid/late 2025 when an M4 Ultra processor will be released for a Mac Studio and Mac Pro. With that in mind, this foldable MacBook leak makes sense, as Apple would be in the middle of the M5 family cycle by early/mid-2026.

However, little is known about the M5 processor as Apple only unveiled the base-model M4 chip, and no M3 Ultra processor is expected. Still, we expect this chip to focus heavily on AI applications.

BGR will continue to follow the latest details on this foldable MacBook and other foldable devices, such as iPhones. BGR's Chris Smith notes that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 might pave the way for a breakthrough foldable iPhone, while we have also covered an auto-healing display patent that could be used on a future device.

The post Foldable MacBook with crease-free screen and M5 chip reportedly coming in 2026 appeared first on BGR.

Today's Top Deals

1. Best Fire TV Stick deals for May 2024
2. Today’s deals: Memorial Day sales on ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 Combo, Apple, Samsung foldable phones, more
3. Today’s deals: First-ever M4 iPad Pro discount, $100 off Pixel 8a, $75 TP-Link WiFi 6 router, more
4. Today’s deals: Memorial Day sales on Dyson vacuums, WiFi 6 routers, NERF guns, Ray-Ban sunglasses, more

Foldable MacBook with crease-free screen and M5 chip reportedly coming in 2026 originally appeared on BGR.com on Thu, 23 May 2024 at 10:46:52 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.