Highlights
- Apple to change MacBook Pro lineup display from mini-LED to OLED by 2026.
- The company will launch 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with hybrid OLED technology between 2026 and 2027.
- Apple to include OLED technology across its product lineup including iPad mini by 2026, iPad Air by 2027, and a foldable OLED device by 2028 or later.
A recently leaked Apple Display Adoption Roadmap document revealed some key details about the future of the MacBook Pro lineup. According to the leaked information, Apple is planning a big shift for its MacBook Pro lineup and will be moving from mini-LED to OLED displays by 2026.
Popular tipster @Jukanlosreve shared the details from research firm Omdia on X (formerly Twitter) revealing that this transition will also bring design changes including the removal of the MacBook Pro’s notch.
Source: Omdia
— Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) December 5, 2024
The document posted by @Jukanlosreve also shows that Apple plans to launch 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with hybrid OLED technology between 2026 and 2027. The tech was introduced by Apple on the iPad Pro this year.
This update aligns with previous hints by analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Ross Young on X. Kuo Young agreed that next year’s MacBooks will continue to have LCD screens with mini-LED backlighting.
Ross @DSCCRoss is an expert on displays (not just Apple products). I think the 2025 MacBook Pro will continue to use the mini-LED.
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) September 10, 2024
Thanks. I agree with you about 2025 MacBook Pro’s still using MiniLEDs…
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) September 10, 2024
Coming back to the recent update, one notable change detailed in the roadmap document is a change from the current rounded corner + notch cut to a rounded corner + hole cut design for the webcam. This would eliminate the notch Apple introduced with its 2021 MacBook Pro redesign, which brought the display closer to the edges but left a cutout for the webcam.
If these plans turn out to be accurate, the new hole-punch cutout would create more usable screen space. MacRumors notes in its report that this change will resolve the issue of the notch interrupting the macOS menu bar.
However, specific design details remain unclear. Some speculate the OLED MacBook Pro could adopt a Dynamic Island-like design, similar to the iPhone.
The roadmap also highlights broader plans for Apple’s devices:
- iPad mini: Could switch to OLED by late 2026.
- iPad Air: Expected to adopt OLED displays around 2027.
- MacBook Air: Likely to switch to OLED in 2028 but will retain the notch design.
- Foldable Device: Apple is reportedly working on a foldable OLED device for release in 2028 or later.
These changes indicate how Apple is focusing on integrating OLED technology into its product lineup and promising better display performance with new design possibilities.
FAQs
Q1. When will Apple transition the MacBook Pro lineup to OLED displays?
Answer. Apple plans to transition the MacBook Pro lineup from mini-LED to OLED displays by 2026.
Q2. What design change is expected for the MacBook Pro with the switch to OLED displays?
Answer. The MacBook Pro is expected to remove the notch and adopt a rounded corner + hole cut design for the webcam, creating more usable screen space.
Q3. What are Apple’s broader plans for OLED technology in its other devices?
Answer. As per recent reports, Apple plans to switch the iPad mini to OLED by late 2026, the iPad Air by 2027, and the MacBook Air to OLED in 2028. Additionally, Apple is reportedly working on a foldable OLED device for release in 2028 or later.