A new report from the supply chain indicates that Samsung Display has confirmed the anticipated launch of the first OLED MacBook Pro models in 2026. The company is presently engaged in creating initial samples of these displays and aims for full-scale production to commence in 2026.
The report implies that the introduction of the initial MacBook Air models featuring OLED displays will face even further delays…
Launch of OLED MacBook Pro
The existing MacBook Pro displays utilize IPS LCD technology with mini-LED backlighting, which is an older technology being refreshed with enhanced backlight control.
Initially, there were differing opinions from analysts regarding the timing for the MacBook Pro’s switch to OLED. Ming-Chi Kuo suggested 2025, while Ross Young pointed to 2026. However, Kuo later aligned with Young’s 2026 timeline.
A supply chain report from TheElec gives enough insight to confirm these expectations, stating that Samsung Display is currently working on sample OLED panels specifically for the MacBook Pro, with plans to enter full production next year, primarily catering to Apple.
Samsung Display’s eighth generation organic light-emitting diode (OLED) line (A6) is projected to be completed in the first half of the year. The first deposition unit is anticipated to produce OLED panels for Apple’s MacBook Pro […]
Using this initial plant, they intend to manufacture panels for the OLED MacBook Pro, which is expected to be released in 2026 […] Annual shipment forecasts for the OLED MacBook Pro range from 3 million to 5 million units.
A comprehensive redesign of the MacBook Pro is anticipated alongside the transition to OLED, featuring a shift from the current notch to a punch-hole for the webcam, as well as a lighter and thinner design.
OLED MacBook Air Delayed to 2029 or Later
Initial reports suggested that Apple aimed to transition the MacBook Air to OLED technology by 2027, with later updates indicating this had been postponed to 2028.
However, the latest findings are more discouraging, stating that Apple has rescheduled this milestone to “after 2029.” Given the nature of machine translation, this likely means “no earlier than 2029.”
When it does eventually arrive, it’s expected that the MacBook Air will feature a more basic OLED panel compared to the MacBook Pro.
The OLED MacBook Air is anticipated to use a standard single-stack display, as opposed to the advanced two-stack tandem displays planned for the MacBook Pro.
Single-stack displays utilize one layer each of red, green, and blue, while two-stack tandem OLEDs incorporate a second RGB layer. This dual-layer design enhances screen brightness and longevity.
Photo by Ján Vlačuha on Unsplash
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