Apple's first foldable MacBook could have a massive 18.76-inch display for one good reason

TechComputers & PCsLaptopsApple’s first foldable MacBook could have a massive 18.76-inch display for one good reasonMacs with foldable displays are expected to arrive in 2026When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Macs with foldable displays are expected to arrive in 2026

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(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)

MacBook Air (M3, 2024) review

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Quick SummaryApple is reportedly working on a MacBook with a foldable screen for release in 2026 with a display size of just under 19 inches.That means that when folded it’ll be roughly the size of the 13-inch MacBook Air.

Apple is reportedly working on a MacBook with a foldable screen for release in 2026 with a display size of just under 19 inches.That means that when folded it’ll be roughly the size of the 13-inch MacBook Air.

Apple is reportedly working on a MacBook with a foldable screen for release in 2026 with a display size of just under 19 inches.

That means that when folded it’ll be roughly the size of the 13-inch MacBook Air.

Two new reports have revealed key details ofApple’s forthcoming foldable-display Mac, which is expected to launch in 2026 with an M5 processor inside. And both reports focus on the most important part of that laptop: its screen.

First off the blocks wasMing-Chi Kuo, who reported that Apple was revising its plans downwards. After initially planning to use a 20.25-inch folding display in the laptop, Kuo says, Apple is going for a slightly smaller 18.76 inches.

What does that slightly smaller screen mean?

A slightly smaller screen means a slightly smaller Mac, and this particular model is now expected to be roughly the same size as the13-inch MacBook Air. The larger 20-plus display would have meant a size closer to the 15-inch one, which of course is marginally less portable due to its larger size.

If as expected this new Mac runs macOS X, Apple will need to change its OS quite considerably to make it touch-friendly. Touch input typically requires larger interactive elements such as buttons and other interface items, so for example the three circular icons at the top left of every macOS window are perfectly clickable but far too fiddly for fingers.

And that means there’s a balance to be struck here. Unless Apple intends to have a separate version of macOS for its foldable, which seems unlikely, it’ll need to strike the balance between touch and trackpad interactions in a way that’s satisfying for both kinds of users.

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