Apple is gearing up for significant changes in the MacBook Pro display lineup. According to a new timeline released by research firm Omdia, the company intends to upgrade its MacBook Pro from mini-LED to OLED displays starting in 2026.
As part of this transition, Apple is said to be planning to eliminate the notch cutout from the MacBook Pro’s design.
The strategy indicates that Apple is looking to launch new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring OLED displays between 2026 and 2027. This new hybrid OLED display technology is expected to mirror advancements seen in this year’s iPad Pro. This aligns with previous reports from earlier this year.
Furthermore, the timeline suggests that the upcoming MacBook Pro update in 2026/2027 will replace the notch cutout with a new design featuring a “rounded corner + hole cut” to accommodate the webcam.
The MacBook Pro adopted a notch design during its major refresh in 2021, allowing for a larger display area closer to the device’s edges, with the notch itself accommodating the webcam.
If these reports hold true, Apple will make the switch from a notch to a hole-punch cutout for the webcam concurrently with the move to OLED displays in 2026 or 2027. This change could enhance the usable screen area and, as noted by MacRumors, would prevent the notch from interfering with the macOS menu bar as it currently does.
However, details regarding the specific design of the new hole-punch cutout remain scarce. One potential outcome is that the OLED MacBook Pro could feature a Dynamic Island design reminiscent of that seen in the iPhone.
The roadmap from Omdia also indicates that the iPad mini may transition to OLED as early as late 2026, while the iPad Air is projected to follow around 2027. The MacBook Air is anticipated to shift to OLED in 2028 but will maintain the notch design. Additionally, the report suggests that Apple is exploring a foldable device with an OLED panel set for launch in 2028 or later.
What are your thoughts on Apple replacing the MacBook Pro’s notch with a hole-punch cutout for the webcam? Should they also introduce the Dynamic Island to the Mac? Share your opinions in the comments.
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