A Page Turned for Foldable PCs
I had a hunch that Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 was heading for the “withdrawn” list, especially as I watched the available models dwindle on their website. A quick check of the PSREF page’s withdrawn section confirmed it: both the original X1 Fold and the X1 Fold 16 are officially discontinued. That means they’re no longer for sale or in production.
Years ago, I had the opportunity to test a pre-production sample of the ThinkPad X1 Fold 16, and I genuinely enjoyed my time with it. If you’re curious to learn more about my experience, you can find a link to my in-depth article and a video playlist below:
Now, this wasn’t going to be a machine for everyone. But for me, someone who appreciates compact and smaller devices that don’t need a ton of computing power, it was a delight. For context, I’ve been daily driving a ThinkPad X1 Nano G1 since its release, so I have a soft spot for light and compact machines. I don’t need loads of power on the go, and if I do, I’ve got other devices for that. I completely get that not everyone has multiple devices or even wants to carry them, though.
The Challenges of Innovation
The withdrawal isn’t entirely surprising, especially considering the complexities involved in bringing such a device to market. I once spoke to Luis Hernandez, former VP of Lenovo Commercial Product Solution Development, who shed some light on the hurdles. He emphasized how challenging it was to manufacture, yet he firmly believed in its potential:
I’m telling you that the X1 Fold 16, it’s a great product but it was hard, it was hard to do. You can imagine foldables are very hard to do in the phone industry, you can imagine in the PC, they’re bigger screens so it’s even more challenging, but I love that product. I think that product is revoluntionary and eventually it will be a big, a big part of the computer notebook segment in the future as we figure out ways of… bringing the price down as we drive more volume.
While I never got my hands on a production version of the X1 Fold 16 Gen 1, the factors that likely limited its widespread appeal are clear. The high cost and unique form factor inherently narrowed its potential audience. Making the keyboard and pen optional accessories in many markets further inflated the price, pushing it even further out of reach for many. After all, if you’re investing that much, you likely want the complete experience, not just the base model.
Furthermore, the specifications were already a generation behind upon release, and without any specific AI features to market as the AI boom began, it quickly felt dated. The choice of a fanless cooling solution, while enabling a sleek design, meant performance suffered under heavy loads—a clear trade-off that prioritized portability and quiet operation over raw computing power. Given the intended audience, however, this decision makes sense; it was never designed to be a workstation.
If Lenovo does pursue another iteration, I believe a few key changes would be essential based on what I’ve seen people say about the production version:
- Stronger CPU and Improved Thermals: A more robust processor, coupled with a better cooling solution or thermal management, would be crucial to boost performance and reduce throttling.
- Inclusive Accessories: The keyboard and pen should be included in the box, not sold as separate, costly accessories.
- Integrated Stylus Storage: Exploring ways to store the stylus within the device would enhance convenience and portability.
- Targeted Use Cases: Continue to deeply study the market to identify the best fit for this unique device and offer specific, compelling use cases that resonate with that audience.
- Cost reduction: Much like when the ThinkPad X300 was released, there was a desire to make it more cost-effective. This ultimately led to the creation of the X1 and then the X1 Carbon. The same thinking needs to apply here.
New Patents Emerge
At the time of writing this article, I combed through the US Patent Public Search to see what clues of the future may be waiting. I found an interesting patent (US 20250231595 A1), filed on November 4, 2024, and published a few days ago (July 17, 2025), which details a display assembly for a foldable PC.
Another patent (US 12363843 B2) was published July 15, 2025, that details a hinge for a foldable device that is a possible match for the mechanism shown in Figure 5 above. Both of these recent patents support a previously submitted patent (US 20250028363 A1). The mechanisms in these latest patents are somewhat similar to patents filed years prior, but there are some key changes that suggest ongoing refinement. The most recent one has an emphasis on additional components that act as a buffer and support behind the display to manage bending stress.
Before we all get too excited, patents do not tell the whole story. Years ago, there was a new revised patent for the butterfly keyboard that hasn’t gone anywhere… yet.
It isn’t uncommon for an idea or device to receive a patent and have it not produced. Another possible example of this is a patent (US 12332690 B2) approved at the same time as the ones above for a tablet that attaches to the back of a laptop A cover.
What’s Next for Foldable ThinkPads?
The journey of the ThinkPad X1 Fold series highlights the inherent challenges and immense potential within the foldable PC market. Its discontinuation underscores the need for continued refinement. However, Lenovo isn’t giving up on this innovative form factor. The recent patent filings for display assemblies and hinge mechanisms strongly suggest they are actively exploring how to build a better, more reliable, and ultimately more compelling foldable PC.
What are your thoughts on the future of foldable PCs? Do you think they’ll eventually become a mainstream option, or remain a niche product?
