Foldable phones have been developing rapidly in the last five years and some manufacturers are even experimenting with larger form factors like laptops while others like Apple have yet to dip their toes in the foldable market. There’s no shortage of rumors claiming Cupertino is developing at least two foldable devices including an iPad/MacBook hybrid and now reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the rumored Apple foldable is delayed, yet again.
According to Kuo, Apple has pushed back the assembly schedule for its first foldable from early 2026 to late 2027 or even 2028. The device in question is expected to be a foldable MacBook and not an iPad as previously speculated with Apple reportedly setting on a 18.8-inch screen size.
The reason for the delay is “technical challenges” with the display and mechanical components. Apple reportedly canceled its plans for a larger 20.25-inch device. Previous reports suggest LG will be the sole supplier for the foldable panels with early estimates pointing to $600-650 cost for the panel and $200-250 for the hinge. Those high component prices are expected to bump up the final price for the device in the $3,500 range.
可折叠手机在过去五年里发展迅速,一些制造商甚至在尝试像笔记本电脑这样的更大尺寸设备,而苹果等其他公司则尚未涉足可折叠市场。有大量传言称苹果正在开发至少两款可折叠设备,包括iPad/MacBook混合设备,现在知名分析师郭明錤表示,传闻中的苹果可折叠设备再次推迟。
据郭明錤称,苹果已将其首款可折叠设备的组装计划从2026年初推迟到2027年底甚至2028年。这款设备预计是一款可折叠的MacBook,而不是此前猜测的iPad,据报道,苹果已确定使用18.8英寸的屏幕尺寸。
推迟的原因是显示屏和机械部件的"技术挑战"。据报道,苹果取消了其更大尺寸20.25英寸设备的计划。之前的报告表明,LG将成为可折叠面板的唯一供应商,早期估计显示面板成本为600-650美元,铰链成本为200-250美元。这些高昂的组件价格预计将使设备的最终价格达到3,500美元左右。