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- Apple has not abandoned its long-rumored foldable MacBook project, according to a research note from Omdia cited by technology outlet Ispazio on September 8, 2026.
- The device in question is a hybrid foldable measuring between 16.1 and 18 inches, which would bridge the gap between an iPad and a Mac.
- The primary technical obstacle for a foldable laptop centers on the physical keyboard experience.
Apple has not abandoned its long-rumored foldable MacBook project, according to a research note from Omdia cited by technology outlet Ispazio on September 8, 2026. While industry supply chain tracking points to shifted timelines, the device remains an active exploration rather than a permanently canceled initiative as the company works to overcome hardware and software hurdles tied to all-screen designs.
Foldable MacBook Timeline and Omdia Research Note
The device in question is a hybrid foldable measuring between 16.1 and 18 inches, which would bridge the gap between an iPad and a Mac. According to Ispazio, reporting on the Omdia research note regarding Mac and iPad roadmaps, plans for these foldable laptops were delayed from an initial target window around 2026 out toward 2028. Mark Gurman previously characterized the foldable project as a priority for executive John Ternus, while adding that it could remain an eccentric experiment that might never ship, based on insights from individuals who worked on the development, as noted by Ispazio.
Overcoming Virtual Keyboard Hurdles With Haptics
The primary technical obstacle for a foldable laptop centers on the physical keyboard experience. When opened flat, the device functions as a continuous display, while folding the bottom half at a 90-degree angle transforms the lower portion of the screen into a virtual keyboard. According to Ispazio, typing for extended periods on a completely flat glass surface lacks the tactile feedback and physical travel of a traditional mechanical keyboard. To address this limitation, Apple patents outline alternative engineering solutions. These designs describe flexible display panels capable of minor physical deformation when pressed, combined with haptic engines to simulate a mechanical click. Additionally, the company has explored electrostatic charges applied to the surface that fingertips perceive as a change in texture, allowing users to locate keys without looking. This technology could also enable dynamic keyboards that shift layouts depending on the active application, adapting button configurations for video editing tools or spreadsheet software.
Industry Context and Future Outlook
Apple already utilizes simulated physical feedback in existing hardware components. The trackpads on modern MacBooks do not physically move when clicked, relying instead on calibrated haptic vibrations to mimic mechanical motion. Despite these established technologies, current industry indications suggest that a fully all-screen MacBook is not an immediate commercial priority. According to reporting from Ispazio, the fundamental question for hardware engineers is not whether Apple can manufacture a foldable Mac, but when the underlying display and haptic technologies will reach sufficient maturity to match the user experience of a standard MacBook. Until that threshold is met, the project remains paused in its current form rather than buried.
