Everyone’s been going crazy over foldable phones, but to be honest, they’re solving a problem that doesn’t really exist. Yes, they’re impressive engineering feats, but most people can’t figure out why they’d pay double for a phone that’s thicker, more fragile, and way more expensive than regular smartphones.
But step outside the phone world, and folding suddenly makes perfect sense. Think about a laptop that’s a tablet, an e-reader that feels like a real book, or a full-sized mouse that vanishes when you don’t need it. These aren’t gimmicks or extravagant concepts; these innovative designs have real value, and they’re solving real problems we’ve dealt with for years. Dive in, and discover why you need to add them to your tech routine!
1. MacBook Folio
Designer Antonio has created what might be the most fascinating vision for Apple’s foldable future—a MacBook that’s all screen. This isn’t just adding a foldable display to existing MacBook designs; it’s completely reimagining what a laptop could be. The concept features a massive, foldable screen that eliminates physical keyboards, relying instead on a digital keyboard with haptic feedback for a realistic typing feel. Antonio’s design features Touch ID as a slide button, a trimmed version of Face ID, and support for a gorgeous AirPen for precise screen interaction and note-taking.
Why you need it
This concept solves the age-old problem of choosing between laptop productivity and tablet versatility. When folded, it becomes a massive iPad for creative work, reading, or media consumption. When opened, it transforms into a full laptop with all the screen real estate you could want. I love its dual nature—no more carrying both devices or making compromises. Apple’s attention to detail would theoretically solve the hinge and display durability issues that plague current foldable devices, while the haptic keyboard could feel better than some physical keyboards we’ve used.
What we like
Dual functionality eliminates the need to choose between a laptop and tablet for different tasks.
All-screen design provides unlimited possibilities for custom interfaces and creative workflows.
What we dislike
Losing physical keyboards might frustrate users who’ve spent years perfecting their typing muscle memory.
Concept status means this revolutionary design remains firmly in fantasy territory for now.
2. MooInk V
The MooInk V is basically what happens when an e-reader and a foldable phone have a baby, and the result is surprisingly great. This product has an 8-inch foldable E Ink screen that does both black-and-white and color, which is pretty much exactly what anyone who’s ever juggled between a Kindle and tablet has been waiting for. The text resolution matches what you’d expect from a premium e-reader, while the color stuff works well enough for comics and magazines, content that’s always felt weird on regular e-readers.
Why you need it
Regular e-readers are great for reading, but they never actually feel like reading a book. The MooInk V fixes that by literally folding like a book, complete with a spine-like hinge that makes the whole experience feel more natural. You can fold it 180 degrees to lie flat or prop it up at 90 degrees, depending on how you want to read. The aluminum build keeps it sturdy, and honestly, just the act of opening and closing it feels satisfying in a way that tapping a Kindle never does.
What we like
Finally feels like reading an actual book instead of staring at a flat screen.
Color E Ink means comics and illustrated books actually work properly on an e-reader.
What we dislike
Color resolution isn’t anywhere near what you’d get on a regular tablet.
There’s still a visible crease where it folds, which might bug some people during long reading sessions.
3. Samsung Flex Gaming Console
Samsung showed off this wild gaming console concept at MWC 2025 that looks like someone took a Nintendo Switch and made it fold in half like a book. It’s got the same basic layout: a screen in the middle, controls on the sides, but the whole thing closes up for way better portability. Now, before you get too excited, Samsung was pretty clear that this isn’t something you can buy. It’s more like them showing off their flexible screen tech to see if companies like Nintendo or Valve want to bite and make something real.
Why you need it
Current portable gaming is all about annoying compromises. The Steam Deck is awesome, but it feels like carrying a small laptop, while the Switch is super portable, but the screen feels tiny when you’re playing something complex. A foldable gaming device could solve both problems: a big screen when you’re playing, a tiny footprint when you’re traveling. Plus, think about the possibilities with two screens: maps on the bottom, inventory management, or chat windows without covering up the main game.
What we like
The foldable design means you get a big gaming screen that fits in your bag.
Dual-screen setup could enable completely new ways to play games.
What we dislike
It’s just a concept, so you can’t actually get your hands on one anytime soon.
Gaming on foldable screens would probably murder your battery life compared to regular handhelds.
4. OrigamiSwift Mouse
The OrigamiSwift is probably the most practical thing on this whole list. It’s a full-sized Bluetooth mouse that folds completely flat when you’re not using it. We’re talking 40 grams, thinner than most phones when folded, and it transforms in under half a second. The whole design is based on origami folding techniques, which sounds gimmicky but makes it surprisingly sturdy. If you’ve ever tried to fit a decent mouse in a laptop bag, you know this solves a real problem that’s been annoying people for decades.
Why you need it
Laptop trackpads have gotten way better over the years, but they still suck for anything serious. Photo editing, design work, even just navigating complex spreadsheets—you want a real mouse. But carrying around a regular mouse is a pain, especially if you’re moving between different workspaces all the time. The OrigamiSwift just eliminates that whole dilemma. Whether you’re working from coffee shops, bouncing between client meetings, or studying in different libraries, you’ve got a proper mouse that doesn’t take up any meaningful space in your bag.
What we like
Goes completely flat, so you never have to choose between mouse functionality and bag space.
Opens instantly, no fumbling around with complicated folding when you need to get work done.
What we dislike
The folding mechanism might wear out if you’re opening and closing it constantly.
Costs more than regular high-end mice that don’t need all the folding complexity.
5. Pentatonic Speaker
The Pentatonic speaker concept looks like five gold bars laid out side-by-side, except they’re made of sleek aluminum with a luxurious leather backing that holds everything together. Four outer panels house the speakers: a mix of regular drivers and bass, while the middle panel contains all the controls for volume and Bluetooth pairing. But here’s where it gets interesting: that leather backing gives the whole thing flexibility to transform into completely different shapes. You can roll it into a pentagon with speakers facing inward, spread it into a star shape with speakers facing out, or arrange it in a snake-like formation.
Why you need it
Most portable speakers force you to choose between decent sound and portability, but the Pentatonic concept eliminates that compromise. Lay it flat for directional sound like a traditional speaker, or roll it up and carry it like a duffel bag while it keeps playing. The coolest part is that when rolled up with speakers facing inward, it creates an echo chamber that amplifies the sound. You can customize your audio experience based on your space and needs.
What we like
Multiple configurations let you customize sound direction and quality for any situation.
Can keep playing music even while you’re carrying it around in rolled-up form.
What we dislike
Leather and aluminum construction would likely make this significantly more expensive than regular portable speakers.
Complex folding mechanism introduces more potential failure points compared to traditional speaker designs.
The Folding Revolution Is Just Getting Started
These five devices show what happens when folding technology has a point beyond just being cool. The MacBook concept tackles the screen size versus portability problem that’s been driving creatives nuts forever. The MooInk V finally makes digital reading feel like the real thing. Samsung’s gaming concept hints at solutions for portable gaming’s size issues, and the OrigamiSwift proves that even something as basic as a mouse can benefit from smart folding design.
I love how these products aren’t just new and shiny; they’re designed to solve tangible problems. They eliminate some annoying compromises we’ve all just accepted as part of using technology. As this stuff gets cheaper and more reliable, expect to see folding solutions pop up in places you’d never expect, completely changing how we think about making our digital tools both powerful and portable.
The post Top 5 Revolutionary Foldable Gadgets That Aren’t Phones (And Why You Need Them) first appeared on Yanko Design.