Apple has cancelled development of its long-rumored foldable MacBook project alongside a separate oversized OLED notebook concept, according to new supply-chain research published by Omdia. The abandoned foldable device, which was expected to feature a display measuring between 16.1 and 18 inches when opened, had previously been tracked as an iPad-Mac hybrid and was considered a key hardware priority for John Ternus during his tenure leading hardware engineering.
The reported cancellations arrive just as John Ternus assumes the role of Apple's Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Tim Cook ahead of a major product unveiling scheduled for September 9. While the large dual-screen and oversized OLED initiatives have been shelved, display researchers indicate that Apple is simultaneously refining its broader hardware trajectory around more conventional form factors and upcoming OLED integrations.
The Fate of the Foldable Mac Project
Supply-chain tracking from Omdia explicitly confirms that Apple has scrapped its plans for a large foldable computing device. The hardware concept had experienced repeated timeline adjustments, shifting from initial rumors pointing toward a 2026 release out toward 2028 and beyond. Analysts had debated whether the hardware would ultimately debut under macOS or iPadOS, functioning as an expansive dual-screen hybrid.
Earlier reporting from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman highlighted the device as a personal priority for Ternus while he directed hardware engineering, though Gurman had frequently cautioned that the experimental concept might never reach commercial shelves. Industry observers suggest that software hurdles regarding touch-panel text entry and virtual keyboards on large form factors contributed to the decision to abandon the project.
Shift Toward Compact OLED Integration
Although the larger dual-screen folding concept has been discontinued, Apple's broader roadmap continues to point toward a comprehensive transition to organic light-emitting diode technology across laptops and tablets. Omdia's findings indicate that Apple is planning a new 13.8-inch OLED MacBook model targeted for a 2029 release, positioned as a bridge between standard lightweight notebooks and professional machines.
Concurrently, Apple is expected to introduce updated OLED MacBook Pro configurations this fall, while continuing to supply mini-LED alternatives to maintain tiered pricing options. Analysts note that these strategic pivots allow the company to upgrade screen technology without introducing expensive, unproven form factors that risk pricing out mainstream buyers during an ongoing component price environment.
Leadership Transition and Immediate Product Pipeline
The timing of the project cancellation coincides directly with a historic leadership handoff at Apple Park. John Ternus takes the helm as CEO following Tim Cook's transition to executive chairman, making the upcoming September 9 event his first major public test as chief executive.
In his initial communications with corporate employees, Ternus described the upcoming showcase as a phenomenal event. The hardware lineup for the presentation is heavily anticipated to feature three flagship iPhones, including the company's first foldable smartphone offering dubbed the iPhone Ultra, alongside two new Apple Watch iterations and updated AirPods.
Future Hardware Roadmap and Outlook
By narrowing its immediate foldable ambitions to the mobile smartphone sector, Apple appears to be adopting a cautious market-testing strategy. Observers note that strong consumer reception toward the upcoming foldable iPhone could eventually revive interest in larger dual-screen concepts for laptops in future product cycles.
For the near term, however, engineering focus remains anchored on refining traditional clamshell architectures with advanced display panels and high-efficiency silicon. The company's disciplined approach ensures that capital and development resources are concentrated on established high-volume categories rather than speculative experimental hardware.
