Amid the ongoing talk of an iPhone Fold, Apple could – quite literally – have bigger ambitions when it comes to flexible displays.
According to well-informed Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple is investigating a 20-inch model that could be some sort of iPad and MacBook hybrid.
In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says the dual-screen device could include a virtual keyboard for use as a MacBook, or even a foldable display that plugs into a physical keyboard and acts as a monitor, so to speak. However, according to his sources, it could be the second option.
He told subscribers: “The company could use a foldable 20-inch screen connected to a physical keyboard, or just use one side of the display as a virtual keyboard. I was told that Apple was indeed investigating a dual-screen foldable MacBook/iPad hybrid that would take the second approach. It would trade in the physical keyboard and trackpad for a full touchscreen base.”
Gurman’s comments come after a similar report by DCSS analyst Ross Young, who suggested from the supply chain that Apple may be planning to launch such a hybrid between 2025 and 2027. His information indicated that Apple would develop a dual-use product that could even be used as a 4K monitor (or better) along with an external keyboard.
Apple researches all sorts of potential new products and features, and in fact files thousands of patents a year that may not see the light of day. This seems a bit out of balance with the company’s current product line. It has long refused to offer any sort of touchscreen Mac, and the prospect of such a large foldable device seems a few years away.
Meanwhile, work could continue on an iPhone Fold that could arrive as early as 2023, although a recent report suggests Apple has pushed back its plans to 2025.