Amid the continued talk of an iPhone Fold, Apple may – quite literally – have bigger ambitions when it comes to flexible displays.
According to the well-informed Bloomberg reporter, Mark Gurman, Apple is exploring a 20-inch model, which may be some kind 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 attaches to a physical keyboard, sort of acting as a monitor. However, according to his sources, it could be the second option.
He told subscribers: “The company could go with a foldable 20-inch screen attached to a physical keyboard or just have one side of the display serving as a virtual keyboard. I’m told Apple has indeed been exploring a dual-screen, foldable MacBook/iPad hybrid that would take the second approach. It would trade in the physical keyboard and trackpad for a fully touch-screen base”
Gurman’s comments come after a similar report from DCSS analyst Ross Young, who brought word from the supply chain that Apple may be planning such a hybrid to launch somewhere between 2025 and 2027. His information suggested Apple would create a dual use product that could even be used as a 4K (or better) monitor along with an external keyboard.
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Apple explores all manner of potential new products and features, indeed it files thousands of patents a year that might not see the light of day. This does seem a little out of whack with the company’s current product line. It has long resisted offering any kind of touchscreen Mac, and the prospect of such a large foldable does seem to be a few years away.
In the meantime, work may be continuing on an iPhone Fold that could arrive as soon as 2023, although a recent report suggested Apple has pushed its plans back to 2025.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.